A massive Mercedes Benz saloon, owned by the vendor for nearly 50 years, is going under the Charterhouse hammer at their auction of classic cars and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle on Sunday 19th July.
“The vendor bought the car second hand in 1960 from Brooklands Ltd of Bond Street in London. As a garage proprietor the Mercedes has been regularly maintained during its long ownership and it was last on the road in 1973 during the Suez crisis. Although it has been dry stored for over three decades, it was fully Waxoyled underneath and the body covered in oil and grease to preserve it. In addition, it was regularly started to keep the engine useable.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “The owner was also a keen motor sport supporter and competitor having won two British production trials car championships in 1966 & 1979, and successfully raced in autocross and rallycross.”
The Mercedes was an extremely rare sight in post war Britain, especially as it is 1 of only 42 produced in right hand drive. In Germany, this particular model was referred to as a (Konrad) Adenauers, who was the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany as he was only seen in this model. At over 17 ft long, and 6 ft wide it is an imposing vehicle finished in black coachwork, a maroon leather interior and with period whitewall tyres. The 3,000cc six cylinder petrol engine turned out 123 hp and was subsequently developed into the legendary SL300 engine. .
Also entered into this important auction are a Rolls Royce Phantom I and a Phantom II, a Dodge Super Deluxe convertible, a Packard Straight Eight, a Plymouth Sedan, an Aston Martin Virage, a Ferrari 308 GTS, a Porsche 911 convertible, first owned by Robert Redford, a Jensen 541S, an MG TF, and many other vehicles along with motorbikes such as a BSA Gold Star to a NSU Quickly.
Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their summer programme of auctions including specialist sales of militaria, clocks, trains and collectors items in June, pictures and prints in July along with classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle also in July. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.
www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk
Picture: Mercedes stored since 1973, but owned from 1960, this rare right hand drive car is estimated at £8,000-10,000 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer on Sunday 19th July
