MERCEDES BENZ Typ 300 "Spezial" Pullman (W189) 1960-1961 Photos, engines & full specs

Mercedes-Benz built the Typ 300 in just four units and only one as a closed vehicle, which the carmaker rented to government officials.

The German carmaker introduced the Typ 300 at the first Frankfurt International Motor Show in 1951. It received several updates in 1954, 1955, and finally in 1957 when the Typ 300 received a new internal designation code, W189, instead of the previously used W186. After these developments, in 1960, Mercedes-Benz built four special vehicles based on the long-wheelbase versions of the Typ 300. Two landaulets, a four-door sedan, and a two-door sedan. One of the open-top versions was delivered to Pope John XXIII in December 1960, while the other three remained in the factory. The second landaulet and the four-door sedan were rented for government or other parties, while the two-door sedan was kept as a measuring car.

The 300 Pullman sedan looked like a regular Type 300 with a long wheelbase up to the beltline. Its flared arches and round headlights were shared with the rest of the range and the tall and narrow radiator grille. The greenhouse, on the other hand, showed a taller stance with a steep windshield. The rear doors were taller and featured an extension that cut into the roof area. Above the car, a large sunroof allowed the rear passenger to stand up and wave to the crowd. It was the car used by the former German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer in state-official visits.

Inside, the carmaker installed two individual seats at the front and a flat dashboard from the W189 lineup. A partition wall separated the driver from the rear seat compartment, with a rolling-down window. There were only two seats on the bench in the back. Mercedes used only expensive materials, wood veneers and leather upholstery.

Under the hood was a fuel-injected, inline-six engine paired with a three-speed automatic gearbox.