Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962
In 1951, at the first Frankfurt International Motor Show after the WWII, Mercedes-Benz unveiled among other new vehicles the top-of-the-line 300 series. It was the biggest and fastest German car in production.
The 1951 model was the 300 it evolved in a series of models with several modifications. While the 1951 model was not named 300 a, the 1954 version received the 300 b name and the 1955 model was the 300 c. All of them had an open-top version named Cabriolet D. In 1957, a profoundly revised version of the 300 model was presented, which, technically as well as regarding its exterior, was clearly different from its predecessor. The design number W 189 confirmed a new construction with its own series for the model 300 d.
The body of the 300 d was updated, especially regarding the roof and the C-pillars. As well as the limousine, which, like its predecessor, could be fitted with a sliding roof or a partition wall, a Convertible D was also available from December 1958. It was much more expensive than the closed version, which led to a very limited number of units produced.
Despite being a convertible, the 300 d Cabriolet D featured an Artic-Kat air-conditioning unit on the options list. Inside, the car-maker installed new seats, with better support for the back of its occupants.
A big improvement was found under the hood, where an inline-six unit was fitted with a Bosch gasoline injection system in the manifold, instead of a classic system with a carburetor. It was fitted as standard with a 3-speed automatic transmission. A manual gearbox was on the options list. The four-door cabriolet version was produced in only 65 units.
ENGINE SPECS - 300 d | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2996 cm3 |
Power: | 118 KW @ 5300 RPM 160 HP @ 5300 RPM 158 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 177 lb-ft @ 4200 RPM 240 Nm @ 4200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Mechanical Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 103 mph (166 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 18 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Automatic, 3 Speed |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Drums |
Rear: | Ventilated Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 7.60 S 15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 204.3 in (5189 mm) |
Width: | 73.2 in (1859 mm) |
Height: | 63.8 in (1621 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/60 in (1,481/1,524 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 124 in (3150 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4475 lbs (2030 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5467 lbs (2480 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 14.9 mpg US (15.8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 376 g/km |