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Details
THE PROPERTY OF MR. ISMAIL MERCHANT
1953 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 FOUR DOOR SALOON
Chassis No. 18601101438/53
Engine No. 18692001467/53
Silver with burgundy leather interior
Engine: six cylinder, single overhead camshaft, twin Solex carburetors, 2,996cc 115bhp at 4,600rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual, column shift; Suspension: front, independent, rear, swing axle, coil springs; Brakes: servo-assisted hydraulic drum. Left hand drive.
In 1948 Daimler-Benz Chairman, Dr. Wilhelm Haspel, started a German motor industry pressure group 'which can represent our interests with necessary force and weight'. He went on to say that after the wartime devastation of Mercedes production, the company would need to be represented at the top end of the market once again. In 1951 the result was the new 300 series, which up to 1962 accounted for 11,430 sales in saloon form plus a few hundred coupes and convertibles. Having put the firm on course, Dr. Haspel passed away in the year the 300 was built, but not before sanctioning the racing SL using the same basic engine as the 300.
The 300 series was introduced in late 1951 at the Frankfurt Show and was the first Mercedes-Benz model intended for export and was aimed squarely at the American market. The 300 engine, with its almost square bore and stroke ratio, was both efficient and smooth running. Its seven main bearing cranks ensured high durability. The suspension was sophisticated and provided a high quality ride over rough roads. The stylish coachwork featured a curved windshield and built-in headlamps for its 'envelope' style. The large grille was in the traditional, upright, Mercedes style. Sweeping fenders faded into the front doors passing alongside a large hood. Standard equipment on the 300 included dual fog lamps, reversing lights, a triple horn, electric clock, lighter and locking glovebox. Interior features included door armrests, folding center rear armrest, dual sunvisors and front door pockets.
This 1953 example has been in the ownership Mr. Ismail Merchant, the famous film producer and co-owner of Merchant Ivory Productions, for about ten years. We are told it has been well cared for and enjoyed during this period. The bodywork appears to be sound and the paintwork is very fair. The interior has original burgundy upholstery. The mechanical condition should be good, as the car has been well looked after in its present ownership. At the time of cataloguing, we had not seen the Mercedes, so we invite potential new owners to contact the Motor Car Department during auction week for a more comprehensive condition report.
1953 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 FOUR DOOR SALOON
Chassis No. 18601101438/53
Engine No. 18692001467/53
Silver with burgundy leather interior
Engine: six cylinder, single overhead camshaft, twin Solex carburetors, 2,996cc 115bhp at 4,600rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual, column shift; Suspension: front, independent, rear, swing axle, coil springs; Brakes: servo-assisted hydraulic drum. Left hand drive.
In 1948 Daimler-Benz Chairman, Dr. Wilhelm Haspel, started a German motor industry pressure group 'which can represent our interests with necessary force and weight'. He went on to say that after the wartime devastation of Mercedes production, the company would need to be represented at the top end of the market once again. In 1951 the result was the new 300 series, which up to 1962 accounted for 11,430 sales in saloon form plus a few hundred coupes and convertibles. Having put the firm on course, Dr. Haspel passed away in the year the 300 was built, but not before sanctioning the racing SL using the same basic engine as the 300.
The 300 series was introduced in late 1951 at the Frankfurt Show and was the first Mercedes-Benz model intended for export and was aimed squarely at the American market. The 300 engine, with its almost square bore and stroke ratio, was both efficient and smooth running. Its seven main bearing cranks ensured high durability. The suspension was sophisticated and provided a high quality ride over rough roads. The stylish coachwork featured a curved windshield and built-in headlamps for its 'envelope' style. The large grille was in the traditional, upright, Mercedes style. Sweeping fenders faded into the front doors passing alongside a large hood. Standard equipment on the 300 included dual fog lamps, reversing lights, a triple horn, electric clock, lighter and locking glovebox. Interior features included door armrests, folding center rear armrest, dual sunvisors and front door pockets.
This 1953 example has been in the ownership Mr. Ismail Merchant, the famous film producer and co-owner of Merchant Ivory Productions, for about ten years. We are told it has been well cared for and enjoyed during this period. The bodywork appears to be sound and the paintwork is very fair. The interior has original burgundy upholstery. The mechanical condition should be good, as the car has been well looked after in its present ownership. At the time of cataloguing, we had not seen the Mercedes, so we invite potential new owners to contact the Motor Car Department during auction week for a more comprehensive condition report.