1959 Mercedes-Benz 300D Pillarless Saloon

For the duration of the Fifties, Mercedes-Benz prestige line-up was based on the 300 range, at the heart of which was essentially the same superb 2996cc overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine found in the legendary 300SL Gullwing. Launched at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 300 saloon was aimed squarely at Captains of Industry and Heads of State - indeed, the model was nicknamed 'Adenauer' after a leading German political figure of the time. Inside, the 300 was beautifully executed in polished wood, with deep bucket seats trimmed in either cloth or leather and a division was available as an option for those who preferred to be chauffeur driven. Improvements came with the 300B of 1954 in the form of twin Solex carburettors for additional power, along with servo-assisted brakes and minor styling changes while the 300C model of September 1955 saw the option of a three-speed Borg-Warner three-speed automatic for the American market. The ultimate version of the 300, known as the 300D, was launched in July 1957 with a significantly restyled body on a wheelbase stretched out to 124-inches. This was most apparent at the rear, where extended wings and a wraparound rear window gave the 300D a unique appearance and the pillarless side glass was clearly inspired by the American enthusiasm for 'hardtop' sedans. To cope with the extra weight, the engine gained mechanical fuel injection and power output was increased to a useful 160bhp. The 300D remained in production until 1962 and a total of 3,077 were built, of which very few were specified in right-hand drive form.