Mercedes-Benz 300 to star at Salon Privé auction

What was once believed to be one of the most expensive cars in the world is going under the hammer next month.

The 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 Adenauer Cabriolet is to be offered at auction at Silverstone Auctions’ Salon Privé Sale on 2 September at Blenheim Palace.

The high-performance luxury car is one of only seven Mercedes built in right-hand drive during 1953 and 1954.

Custom built and luxuriously appointed, the car features leather upholstery, burr walnut trim and chromium-plated dashboard instrumentation.

Its speed and luxury made it a favourite of German government officials – as did the fact it could carry six people in comfort.

That’s how the 300 earned its unofficial title as the 'Adenauer', named after German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer who reportedly used six custome examples.

Will Smith, Silverstone Auctions sales manager, said, ‘The 300 is a historically significant car as one of Mercedes-Benz's first all-new designs of the post-war era.’

This particular 300b Cabriolet D was built in late 1953 to be delivered to London and has recently undergone a four-year bare metal restoration.

Almost every part of the car was carefully restored and refurbished, with the exception of metal floor panels sourced from a 300 Saloon donor car and the roof covering made from original materials by Mercedes specialist in the United States.

Finished in lake deep gloss black with a red leather interior, it carries a pre-sale estimate of £325,000 to £375,000. To find out more, visit silverstoneauctions.com