The Mercedes-Benz 300, or 300a, was introduced in 1951. The 'a' designator was never officially used by Mercedes, yet it has emerged as the standard way to identify the variants produced (300a, 300b, 300c). Also known as the Type 300, the 300a was one of Mercedes' top models at the time. Powered by a 3.0L inline 6 engine, the 300 was available as a 300a Saloon or 300a Cabriolet. Built until 1955, the 300a was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz 300b.