Mercedes-Benz Featured at RM Auctions Monterey 2011

A collection of significant Mercedes-Benz will be offered at the upcoming RM Auctions Monterey auction. The two-day Monterey sale, scheduled August 19 – 20, 2011, will present 13 examples from the German marque, spanning over 80 years of production.

The headline consignment is a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster, chassis 154140 from the private collection of Sam and Emily Mann. One of just a select few built with the most desirable configuration of high door, long tail and covered rear spare, of which it is believed just three examples survive, the 540 K is expected to establish a new world record for a Mercedes-Benz sold at auction.(Estimate Available Upon Request)

The Sam and Emily Mann Mercedes-Benz 540 K is joined by three automobiles from the Lyon Family Collection, along with an important 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A offered from private ownership. RM Auctions has been working with Mercedes-Benz for the presentation of these five vehicles, with each recently inspected in person by veteran experts from Mercedes-Benz Classic in Germany.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Mercedes-Benz’s heritage in their 125th anniversary year by presenting some of their most reputed automobiles from the 1930s. Exceptionally rare and unique in their own right, each car is a wonderful representation of luxury, stunning design, forward-thinking engineering and performance – qualities that have defined the Mercedes-Benz brand throughout its long history,” said Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions.

Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic in Stuttgart, Germany, commented, “These vehicles are historical treasures from the 1930s and the auction is a great celebration of Mercedes-Benz longevity and legacy over the past 125 years.”

Mercedes-Benz Featured at RM Auctions Monterey 2011

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Roadster - Chassis 105380 — 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Roadster – Chassis 105380 represents an example from the top of Mercedes’ product offering in the mid-30s. Completed in February 1935, 105380 was immediately shipped to Berlin where it was displayed as the centerpiece of the Mercedes-Benz stand at the Berlin Motor Show. Soon after, it was sold to its first owner, Hans Friedrich Prym, eventually passing through a succession of respected and well-known collectors. Offered in its red paint and tan leather interior, it is offered from the Lyon Family Collection, where it has been assiduously maintained for many years. (Estimate: $4,000,000 – $5,000,000)

1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Coupe — 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Coupe – Displayed at the Paris Salon in 1936, chassis 130944 is another example of Sindelfingen’s creativity and style. One of a limited few coupes built on the Mercedes-Benz 540 K chassis, its dramatic coachwork and styling features saw it shine as one of the standout features at the Paris Salon that year. Following the display, 130944 was sold to its first owner, Jean-Claude Solvay of the Belgian chemical company dynasty, eventually making its way to the United States in the 1960s. Today, just four owners from new, its upcoming sale, complete with a copy of its original build sheet, represents a rare ownership opportunity for discerning collectors. (Estimate: $3,250,000 – $4,500,000)

1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster — 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster – Featuring one-off ‘Spezial’ coachwork, chassis 408383 is an illustration of Mercedes-Benz’s most desirable eight-cylinder model. Specially commissioned by the Horn Brothers, proprietors of an exclusive boutique in Berlin, it differs from other 540 Ks through its range of unique styling cues, including teardrop fenders and tapered rear deck. As a late example of the 540 K, it also features a five-speed transmission with overdrive fifth speed, as introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1939. Beyond its unusual attributes, 408383 boasts a fascinating history. After going into hibernation during World War II, it eventually resurfaced in the Soviet Union during the late 1960s where it had been stored at a Soviet Generals’ summer house. A numbers-matching example, it is presented in its correct shade of black and is considered a bridge between the classic Mercedes-Benz 540 K and the company’s more modern, streamlined concepts of the fifties. (Estimate: $3,500,000 – $4,500,000)

1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A - Chassis 130945 — 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A – Chassis 130945 is one of a limited few transitional 500 K – 540 K Sport Cabriolet A models. Featuring the then-newly introduced 540 K motor, it was delivered to its first owner, Maria Leyder of Stuttgart in 1936, eventually making its way to the United States following the war. Today, the subject of a 100-point restoration, it has received numerous awards on the show field, including at Pebble Beach and Forest Grove. In addition, it has successfully competed twice in the Monte Carlo Historic Rally, finishing first place in both 1991 and 1994. (Estimate Available Upon Request)

Other notable Mercedes entries for the 2011 RM Auctions Monterey sale include: a 1924 Mercedes-Benz 28/95 Sport Phaeton, one of only a handful in existence; a pair of 300SL Coupes from the 1955 and 1956 model years; and a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, representing the company’s more recent designs.

Beyond the auction cars, in celebration of their 125th anniversary Mercedes-Benz will showcase a number of vehicles during the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours weekend including a display of pre-war grand prix cars.

A full list of Mercedes-Benz automobiles on offer is available at www.rmauctions.com/mercedes. For additional sale information, visit www.rmauctions.com or call +1 519 352 4575.

RM Auctions Monterey 2011 – Event Details

Sale dates:
August 19, 2011 6:30pm – 11:00pm PST
August 20, 2011 6:30pm – 11:00pm PST

Preview dates:
August 17, 2011 10:00am – 8:00pm PST
August 18, 2011 10:00am – 8:00pm PST
August 19, 2011 10:00am – 8:00pm PST
August 20, 2011 10:00am – 8:00pm PST

Location:
Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940

Admission:
General admission is available for $40 per person for an event pass, which grants one person access to the preview days. An official auction catalog is available for an additional $120 US although it does not constitute admission to the auctions. Bidder registration is $200 and includes an official auction catalog and admission for two to the preview, reception and auction.

[Source: RM Auctions]