1951 Mercedes-Benz Model 300 (W186) Photos, engines & full specs

Mercedes-Benz introduced the elegant Model 300 in 1951 and quickly gained its status as a luxury vehicle, and soon became the vehicle of choice for the newly formed West Germany.

The German automaker didn't suffer the same consequences as other carmakers from Germany after WWII. Thus, it could work double-time to develop new vehicles. Thus, in 1951, it unveiled a completely new model, designed from the ground up, based on the carmaker's X-frame chassis. The car's nickname, Adenauer, came from Germany's first chancellor after the war, Konrad Adenauer, who ordered six versions of this vehicle during his time in office between 1949 and 1963.

The car's front fascia featured a tilted radiator grille flanked by wide, visually separated front fenders. On top of them, the automaker placed the turn signals just above the round headlights. Since Mercedes-Benz had already understood the importance of a protection bumper on a vehicle, it installed a chromed one at the lower side of the car's front. From its sides, the elegant Model 300 featured sculptured door panels and a long engine compartment. The cab-rearward design vehicle sported a curved, sloped-down trunk at the back.

Depending on the options, the W186 was fitted with either vinyl or leather seats inside. At the front, the carmaker placed a pair of bucket seats, while at the back installed a benchseat. The instrument cluster was very interesting, with a round, center-mounted speedometer flanked by squarish gauges mounted lower on its sides. Despite being a luxurious vehicle, it was considered a driver's car thanks to its performance and handling.

The inline-six engine was fed by two Solex carburetors and was available in a few power versions. It was mated to a four-speed, column-shifter, manual gearbox.