1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 d Adenauer W189

1961 Mercedes 300d “Adenauer”, Type W189

VIN 18901012002994

Classic top-of-the-line Mercedes limousine designed to be Mercedes-Benz's ultimate statement on luxury and sophistication, built to compete with (and surpass) cars like the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. The Maybach of its era. Only 3077 Type W189 built over the five year production run. This is #2994: one of the last ever made.

We are confident enough in this car to know that the market will recognize its worth, and we offer it at NO RESERVE

This is an excellent running example which has been well kept, but was stored for many years, and it took some shop time to get it up and going again. After rejuvenating the fuel tank, fuel pump and fuel lines, the drivetrain is now exceptionally smooth. It starts quickly and easily, and it idles nicely. The exhaust is louder than it should be – not enough to be oppressive, but the next owner will want to address this. The transmission shifts correctly and smoothly. Kick-downs occur properly at full throttle, and the anti-creep feature works.

This car goes down the road very smoothly and is impressively stable. It rides evenly and with supreme comfort. The chassis is amazingly stiff for a car with such a long wheelbase and no pillars. Steering is slow-geared (as befits a limousine), and is precise and accurate. My associate thinks the shocks might be considered weak, but to me they are just right for this sort of car. We heard no rattles, clunks or other noises that would indicate any worn out bushings or suspension components.

After long term storage, the brakes needed work. We rebuilt the front cylinders, replaced old brake hoses, and flushed with fresh DOT 3. The brake lines look good, and all the connections uncoupled and re-assembled easily. The brakes work well now, but with higher pedal pressure that may indicate a weak booster. The hand brake works great, and will hold the car on a hill.

The speedometer and odometer are not operating (cable is not turning). Please note: We filled-in eBay's template with the mileage recorded on the odo, which is not accurate. We do not know the actual mileage driven, though this car gives every indication of being a low-mile original.

The gas gauge works, though the low-fuel warning light stays lit all the time. The other gauges work, and there is an extra aftermarket tachometer installed down low on the dash (which we rather like). Other interior lighting all works, including the indicators, warning lights, glove box lamp and dome lamp. All exterior lighting works. as it should.

The body is in exceptional condition for an unrestored car. The steel panels are solid, with no apparent accident repair work or filler anywhere. There is a small rust patch inside the right rear dogleg (in the door jamb, see photo on link below), and there is rust-through is on the left-side longitudinal floor rail. This part is still available brand new from Mercedes-Benz Classic (“Side Rail” part# 1890100110), and it is a routine welding job to install. The trunk storage wells also show some typical rust. There is evidence of surface corrosion where the rear fender edges meet the body, at the plastic welting, and this has been cleaned and painted by the previous owner before it could get out of hand (again, see pictures). Overall, none of the corrosion looks really significant. The entire body is very clean, solid and has nice panel fit and tight shut lines. The massively strong frame is solid and the floor panels (save for the left side rail) are excellent. As a whole, the car is quite solid and straight. For the best look, please see all the pictures on the photo link provided below.

The interior is trimmed in cloth, which, along with the carpets, is in nice, clean condition. There are a few spots and stains here and there, and the pictures give a good representation of condition. The headliner is intact and secure. It has has some stains that may or may not come out, and some earing in the small fabric panels in the rear pillars. The main headliner fabric panels look quite good, and re-coloring them would work wonders.

The lavish wood trim is a mix of excellent older refinish on the dash top, door caps and arm rests, with a crackled patina in a darker finish across the lower instrument panel. Chrome on the dash is bright and clean, and the steering wheel looks fresh, with an excellent horn pad, chrome horn ring, and a nice leather cover that is smooth, grippy, and warm to the touch. Wood trim around the rear window (which commonly suffers ravages from condensation) looks very good, with no splits or warps.

The exterior presents well, but would take work to get up to show condition. The old paint is shiny and the body is straight, but there are scratches and small dents that are typical of an unrestored car. Condition of the chrome is a good match for the body: It's okay, but there is typical pitting on some of the cast pieces (like the tail lamps). The chrome on the bumpers and door handles is old and imperfect, or warm and patinated (depending on your perspective!) . Stainless steel moldings are nice, shiny and remarkably straight. Windshield is excellent. There are some scratches in the driver's door window from the window register, but in general the glass is excellent.

Overall, this car is not ready for your M-B Club concourse, but you would never be embarrassed to take it to a Cars & Coffee social event and show it off.

It's the kind of car that can be driven and enjoyed right now by an involved, hands-on owner who will massage it a bit at a time at home, or it makes an excellent foundation for a full restoration.

Pictures tell the story best: There are 128 photos for you on this link:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmjWoVDb

My partner, who worked on this car, has years of ownership experience with these big old 300 sedans. We are excited by the overall condition of this wonderful example. It gives every impression of being a low-mileage car that has been treated well all its life. We know of only two registered owners, and the car was reportedly delivered new to Japan to a high-ranking American military officer stationed there, who brought it home to northern Minnesota, where it has led an obviously sheltered life of fair weather driving.

And Now, If You’re Serious About Bidding, Please Read….

The Fine Print:

GOOD LUCK! Please bid to the value this car may hold for you. Please feel free to ask questions or add comments. Please ask questions BEFORE you bid. We will respond quickly and honestly. This vehicle is garaged in Plymouth, Minnesota 55441, about ten minutes west of downtown Minneapolis. Inspections are invited and encouraged!

CONDITIONS: Winning this auction constitutes a legal and binding agreement between the Buyer, the Owner and the Selling Agents. Please bid sincerely and sensibly. Zero-feedback bidders must contact us first before bidding to establish some level of seriousness-of-intent; It's nothing personal, just business: We, and many others, have been stung on eBay Motors by too many dead-beat auction winners.

Vehicle is sold "As-Is and Where-Is". No warranty is expressed, implied or offered. Neither the Owner nor the Selling Agents can or will take any responsibility for this car after it leaves the premises.

PAYMENT: Buyer must make a $500 DEPOSIT by PayPal within 24 hours of the Auction Close. The Deposit will secure the Deal for all Parties involved. Failure to make Deposit within 24 hours will risk Cancellation of the Sale at Discretion of the Owner and Sellers. BALANCE MUST BE PAID within 3 BUSINESS DAYS of sale by SECURE PAYMENT. Clear Minnesota title for this motor vehicle will be conveyed to Buyer after secure funds are received by Seller. Accepting US FUNDS via WIRE TRANSFER, CERTIFIED BANK CHECK, or CASH at PICK-UP. NOTE: We cannot accept the entire payment through PayPal unless Buyer pays the fees as well. NOTE: DEPOSIT is a COMMITMENT to BUY. Its function is to seal the deal for both Buyer and Seller, and is NON-REFUNDABLE except under exceptional conditions granted by Seller's sole discretion.

TRANSPORT: Buyer is responsible for all transportation arrangements and costs. This vehicle is garaged in Plymouth, Minnesota 55441, about ten minutes west of downtown Minneapolis. We do not offer quotes on shipping. There are many vendors to choose from offering vehicle transport. We will work with any transport company you choose, and we will take photos for you of your car being loaded (both for posterity and for peace of mind!) ALL EXPORT SALE DETAILS MUST BE ARRANGED BY THE BUYER, though we can recommend a freight forwarder if you like.

STORAGE: While the Auction Winner sorts out pick-up or transport arrangements, Seller can offer, free of charge, dry indoor storage for up to 30 days after auction termination. Longer periods can be arranged at cost if necessary. Seller cannot accept any liability during this storage period; our due diligence will be to take every reasonable precaution to keep the vehicle sheltered, dry and safe.

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