The Mercedes-Benz 300 was introduced in 1951. Using the W186 chassis, the Type 300 was one of Mercedes' flagship models during the 1950s. Over the course of production, three variants were offered: the 300 (300a), the 300b, and the 300c. Mercedes never used letter designation with W186 cars, the a, b, and, c designation has been created by enthusiasts to help differentiate between the variants. Each of these cars were available in hardtop and open top body styles, and were powered by a 3.0L inline six engine. These cars are commonly referred to as Adenauer, after the German chancellor Konrad Adenauer, who used the cars extensively during his tenure.