Mercedes 300b

Mercedes 300b from 1954, preserved in original state.

The Mercedes-Benz Type 300 (chassis codes W186, W188, and W189) were the company's largest and most-prestigious models throughout the 1950s (from 1951 to 1962). 12190 units were built. Analogous to the top of today's S-Class, the Type 300 cars were elegant, powerful, exclusive, and expensive. Two types were produced, a four-door tourer equal in luxury and price but superior in performance to the rival Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, and an all but handbuilt two-door sports tourer.

The Type 300b was introduced in March 1954. Vacuum assisted power brakes and front door vent windows were added, when comparing to basic model: Type 300, launched in 1951. Engine power was upped to 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) via different Solex carburettors and a higher compression ratio (7.5:1 instead of 6.4:1). In September 1955 it was replaced with Type 300 c with bigger rear window and optional automatic transmission.

The four-door 300, 300b, 300c (chassis code 186), and successor 300d (chassis code 189) models were often referred to as Adenauers after Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. When in office (1949-1963) he employed six custom built cars from Type 300 series.