Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 'Pagoda' 1970 - World Of Classic Cars -

The Mercedes-Benz product line of the late 1950s had a glaring void. The 300 SL sports car was magnificent but financially out of the reach of many, whereas it’s 190 SL sibling, developed from an entry-level sedan, was more of a comfortable tourer. To remedy this, development began on a six-cylinder evolution of the 190 SL, internally coded W127 and intended to be badged as 220 SL.

Along the way, however, the development was re-directed towards the S-Class, W112 platform. The result was the W113, a fuel-injected 2.3-liter sports car introduced at the March 1963 Geneva Motor Show. Badged 230 SL, it came as a roadster or as a coupé with the intriguing pagoda-shaped removable roof. Nearly 20,000 were built through 1967, of which more than half were exported, many of them to the United States.

Road & Track was impressed by its performance: “. . . the 230 SL really belongs to the fast car group. A standing quarter mile in 17.3 seconds is not bad, and on most highways, traffic or speed limits will decide the average speed, not the car . . . . The manual-shift gearbox is first class with very fast, excellent synchromesh, and a shift lever position, which is exactly right”.

Successively larger engines kept the W113 in production through 1971, as the 250 SL and finally as the 280 SL. The latter was introduced in December 1967, the engine bored out to 2,778 cubic centimetres, good for 180 horsepower. By the time the model was finally succeeded by the R107 and C107 cars, nearly 50,000 W113s had been built.

This 1970 280 SL was purchased new on 29 January 1971 by Tom and Stephanie Walthes of Northbrook, Illinois, who traded in a three-year-old Mercury Cougar against the $8,897 purchase price. In original ownership until recently, it has since been treated to a full restoration in Germany. At that time it was converted to European specifications, including metric instruments, and desirable European lighting and bumpers. Re-finished in the original Tobacco brown paint, now with beige interior and matching carpets, it has a crème-coloured canvas convertible roof, supplemented by the characteristic Pagoda hard top, in complementary light beige. Features include heater-defroster, dashboard clock, and a Becker Europa four-band radio.

Mercedes-Benz 250 SL Pagoda 1967 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz has been producing an SL (Sport Leicht) model or range of models since 1954 when the landmark 300SL was unveiled.  The similarly styled, but mechanically unrelated, 190 followed in 1955, completing the first generation of cars.

Their successor was the W113 series SL which proved to be more comfortable than the former and faster than the latter. The 250SL is the rarest of all the SL's as they were only made for one year, of these, very few were fitted with a manual gearbox. The 250SL also had a far superior seven main bearing engine as opposed to four in the 230SL.

This beautiful example, presented in brilliant white with contrasting blue interior, accompanying blue hardtop and mohair hood, is a rare 250SL combined with the manual gearbox. It has undergone an extensive restoration in 2015 which leaves this iconic Pagoda in excellent condition today and well worth viewing. Boasting the original style carpets and original Becker radio, the vendor recently took the car to SS Motors, renowned Mercedes-Benz specialist who commented, "This is the nicest one I have seen in a long while".

Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 - World Of Classic Cars -

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a mid-size, rear-wheel drive luxury coupé and, while it was based on the W202 and W203 platforms of the C-Class, some styling cues were closer to that of the E-Class.

The CLK 320 Coupé was introduced in the 1997 model year, powered by a 3.2 litre, V6 engine with the convertible available from 2000. In late 1999 for the 2000 model year, a facelift was launched which incorporated, amongst others, a revised instrument cluster with a bigger multifunction display, steering wheel with controls for the multifunction display and radio, tiptronic automatic gearbox, revised bumpers and new side skirts and side-view mirror-mounted indicators.

This Elegance specification 320CLK Automatic with the desirable V6 engine is presented in silver with a grey leather interior, blue mohair hood, wood-rimmed standard steering wheel and is in very good order throughout.

The front seats are memory items and parking sensors can be founds front and rear. There are power fold wing mirrors and recently refurbished alloy wheels combined with new springs. The vendor describes it as, "so quiet and smooth, it's a dream in the summer".

Mercedes-Benz 280SE 1970 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 280SE 1970

The first 'S-class' Mercedes-Benz arrived in 1968 in the form of the 280S and 280SE which were large comfortable sports saloons offering powerful touring capabilities and luxurious interiors with space to seat five occupants. Known as W108/109 models, they were constructed on a 108" wheelbase and the new S-Class saloons were much heavier than earlier models. The styling was updated using a thoroughly modern design featuring the attractive stacked layout of the headlights which was popular during the period. Although the 280 was usually powered by a 2.8 litre, straight six engine, Mercedes-Benz added a V8 engined 280SE to the model range.

Mercedes-Benz 280SL 1985 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 280SL 1985

The Mercedes-Benz SL (Sport Leicht) has been in production since 1954 with perhaps the most influential model being the W113 Pagoda of 1963. This second generation evolved from the 230SL to 250SL, finally becoming the 280SL. The W113 was replaced by the W107 in 1971 and as the engines became larger, the bodywork and weight of the cars also increased, as so often happens in mid-life!  The SL improved through the years with technical innovation but still managed to keep its fundamental character and identity of an up-market, high quality sports car.  Its reputation went from strength to strength and it was rare to see an episode of Dallas or Dynasty in the 1980's without an SL making a star appearance. The genius soft-top mechanism which folds down out of sight under a panel ahead of the boot lid gave the car a beautifully sleek, uncluttered appearance. Of all the engine offerings the 280 remains the most sought after with the smaller 2.8 litre engine offering plenty of power but with the advantage of less weight and this improved handling.

Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Roadster 1986 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Roadster 1986

In 1971, Mercedes-Benz introduced the successors to the W111 coupe and W113 sports models. Designated in-house as C107 and R107, respectively, they used the chassis components of the W114 sedans with V-8 engines of 3.5, 3.8, 4.2, 4.5, 5.0, and 5.6 liters. Some six-cylinder cars were also built, using 2.7- and 3.0-liter engines from 1975 to 1989.
The first SL model debuted in April of 1971 as the 350 SL, with the first U.S. models appearing in 1972, still named 350 SL but featuring a 4.5-liter engine. Unsurprisingly, the 450 SL name was adopted for 1973, and engines increasingly grew in size, all the way up to the 560 SL of 1985, including for the USA and other non-European markets, produced until 1989. This car featured the largest engine of all, as well as alloy engine hoods and trunk lids. The engine itself was also all-aluminum.

Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Roadster 1986

A beautiful and remarkably well-kept car. Finished in red, it has a black leather interior and is well equipped. Its features include an automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, factory air conditioning, a Clarion stereo sound system with auxiliary speakers, and both hard and soft tops.

Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D 1952 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D 1952

The 300 series, designed by Hermann Ahrens, marked a very important line of vehicles for Mercedes-Benz, as they were the first all-new models produced by the company after the end of World War II. The four-door version of this imposing, powerful car was quickly nicknamed “Adenauer” because six custom examples of the 300 saw use by the chancellor of Germany at the time, Konrad Adenauer. Expensive as they were expansive, they were often seen ferrying politicians and celebrities and were acquired by captains of industry and other wealthy individuals. As such, the 300 Adenauer symbolized the success of their owners.

Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D 1952

Most rare of the early 300s are the four-door convertible Cabriolet D models, which featured construction on par with the legendary pre-war 500 K and 540 Ks, including a beautifully engineered, landau bar-assisted cabriolet top; a sumptuous, leather-swathed interior that could easily carry six persons; and trim of chrome-plated solid brass and beautiful hardwoods. Between late 1951 and the summer of 1955, only 591 Cabriolet Ds were hand-built to order at Stuttgart.
The car presented here is documented by a copy of its original build sheet as having been produced on December 31, 1952, finished in Green (DB 221) with a matching interior. Original options included an incredibly rare Becker Nürburg III six-band radio, with shortwave preset to major cities worldwide—a feature so exceptional that the current owner recalls that the Classic Center was unaware they had installed one in a car until he showed them his.

Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D 1952

The Cabriolet D was shipped stateside and sold new in 1953 to Franklin Eli, of Buffalo, New York. Mr. Eli used the car on special occasions until 1969, when it was put into storage in Ithaca, New York. Somehow, a mouse made its home in one of the cylinders, resulting in engine damage. The local Mercedes-Benz dealer supplied a new engine for the car, which it carries today.
The Cabriolet D was willed to its original owner’s nephew, James “Jim” Eli, in 1999, and it was brought to the respected shop of Warren Riter and Sons in Penfield, New York, to be restored back to the exacting standards of fit and finish with which it was delivered when new. Following the passing of Jim Eli, his widow elected to sell the car to its present owner, a passionate longtime Mercedes-Benz enthusiast who knew of this amazing car in his area. As a former director of the East Coast Gull Wing Group and past president of the US chapter of the International 190 SL Club, he continued the restoration at Riter and Sons to the same high standard through to completion. While the car was beautifully finished, the owner continued to seek an ever-higher level of perfection and brought it to the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA in Irvine, California, which performed further detailing and sorting for accuracy, including an inspection of the engine for authenticity and running quality with a satisfying compression test. The owner believes that, between both phases, over $700,000 was spent to return the Adenauer to its former glory. Numerous letters and correspondence between the owner and the Classic Center USA are included in the file, providing valuable information. Also included is a set of original keys.

Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D 1952

The 300 has been shown only a few times since its completion, most prominently here at the Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s in 2012, where it was awarded Best in Class, and at the Amelia Island Concours in 2013, where it was also an award winner.

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG 1999 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG 1999

The W210 is an executive car produced from 1995 through to 2002 and sold under the E-Class model name in both saloon and estate body types. AMG installed four engines in the W210; the body styling on all of the W210 AMG models was the same until 2000 when a facelift was implemented. The W210 E55 was the last vehicle for which a major portion of production took place at AMG in Affalterbach. Production was actually split between Affalterbach and the Bremen Mercedes-Benz facility until the end of 2001. Output of the E55 AMG was some 349bhp with a torque figure  of 391ft/lb which propelled the station wagon from 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds with a limited top speed of 155mph.

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL 1959 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL 1959

The 190 SL was first displayed as a show car in New York in 1954. A production version followed and was launched at Geneva in 1955. At the time, it retailed for $3,998 with a soft-top or $4,295 with the optional removable hardtop. Ultimately, 25,881 Mercedes-Benz 190 SLs were produced. That works out to 270 cars every month, with 70 percent being delivered to the U.S., which was close to the goal that New York importer Max Hoffman had promised Daimler-Benz executives.
The remarkable example presented here, chassis number 015333, was first delivered to Dr Kurt Viebeg, of Laudenbach, Germany, in November 1959. The car was finished in Ivory (608/40) over a red leather (1079) interior, as it still is today, and it was fitted with the optional factory hardtop, which it also continues to sport. Dr Viebeg would care for the Mercedes-Benz until 1980, at which point it was acquired by its second owner, Gerhard Bauer. Mr Bauer was a very particular and careful collector, storing his newly acquired 190 SL in a dehumidified garage for the following 26 years!

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL 1959

The 190 SL was then acquired by the current owners in 2012, and the highly original roadster was promptly sent to a marque specialist in the UK upon the recommendation of the Mercedes-Benz Owners Club. With an eye for maintaining its originality, only the most crucial issues were carefully tended to in order to ensure that the car was road worthy. Such work included replacing the original cross-ply tyres and hardened water hoses, repairing the water pump, and otherwise giving the car a thorough service.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 1958 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 1958

There was no doubt that Mercedes-Benz had a hit on their hands with their spectacular 300 SL Gullwing, as it would become known. The car’s looks, performance, and brilliant engineering captivated the automotive world, and it proved to be a runaway success for Mercedes-Benz. As production was soon coming to an end for the iconic 300 SL Coupé, the marque grew more eager to add a convertible version to its line-up.
A prototype of this new model was first spotted by German magazine Auto, Motor und Sport at Stuttgart in the summer of 1956, and the production model would later debut at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show. By the end of that year, the final 70 of the 1,400 Coupés and the first 618 of the Roadsters were assembled.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 1958

Along with a convertible top, the 300 SL brought a host of advancements to the already state-of-the-art platform. The central section of the 300 SL’s space-frame chassis was lowered, and smaller sills and enlarged doors were added to improve entrance and egress. Its strength was maintained, nonetheless, with the addition of diagonal struts bracing the lowered side sections to the rear tubular members. The suspension was also revised to allow for a more comfortable ride and improved handling. At the rear, the spare tyre was repositioned below the boot floor, necessitating a smaller fuel tank but also maintaining reasonable luggage space. Even though these revisions added some 250 pounds, the majority of which were associated with the convertible top and its mechanisms, the car remained an excellent performer, with a factory-claimed 137-mph top speed.
Just like the 300 SL Gullwing, the Roadster proved to be the vehicle of choice for those with brilliant taste in aesthetics and cutting-edge engineering. As such, many wound up in the garages of celebrities, racing drivers, and other financially successful individuals. With a list price of $11,000, ownership of a 300 SL was a dream to most when the car was new, and to those with the funds to spare, the car was worth every penny. To those looking to make a statement with the purchase of a new car, there was simply no better option.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 1958

The dramatic Roadster presented here, chassis number 198.042.8500091, is believed to have been originally delivered to the United States, as noted by its U.S.-style sealed-beam headlights, and it was then subsequently brought to the United Kingdom in the mid-1980s. It has been a resident of the UK for the majority of its life and was registered with license plates 660 EXD.
In more recent ownership, the car was refinished in Anthracite Metallic (DB 172) with black leather, and it is still equipped with its correct sealed-beam head- and tail-lights, as well as U.S.-specification instrumentation. According to a previous owner, it has been well-maintained and improved on with regular servicing and maintenance, which has been carried out by such specialists as O’Keefe Restorations and Gordon Dale. The owner also noted that the rear axle, injection pump, and injectors were rebuilt; the gearbox was rebuilt with new bearings; and a new high-capacity aluminium radiator was installed. The car is still fitted with an original hardtop, which is painted to match the stunning body colour.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing 1955 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing 1955

THE LEGENDARY GULLWING

Mercedes-Benz’s 300 SL claimed 2nd in the Mille Miglia, 1-2-3 in the Sports Car Race in Berne, Switzerland, 1st and 2nd at Le Mans, 1-2-3-4 at the Nürburgring, and 1st and 2nd at La Carrera Panamericana. Yet more was to be desired. From his Frank Lloyd Wright¬–designed Park Avenue showroom, the company’s U.S. distributor, Max Hoffman, said that there was a market in America for a fast, sensual Mercedes-Benz coupe; a production version of the racing 300 SL would be it, complete with the fascinating and now legendary “gullwing” doors necessitated by the unusual, tall “birdcage” frame design.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing 1955

The “SL” moniker (translated to English as Sport Light) reflected the pioneering use of a welded, tubular-steel, ultra-light frame construction that weighed only 182 pounds. The car also featured fully independent suspension in addition to its fuel-injected, 3.0-liter (2,996–cubic centimeter), overhead-cam straight-six with dry-sump lubrication, and the motor was inclined to the side in order to reduce the height of the front end. Rated at 240 brake horsepower at 6,100 rpm (SAE) and 215 brake horsepower at 5,800 rpm (DIN), with the factory-optional or dealer-installed “sport” camshaft, the power was delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox. A 161-mph top speed and 0–60 acceleration of approximately eight seconds, depending on the rear-end ratio selected from five options, made the 300 SL the fastest production automobile of its time.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing 1955

Appropriate for an automobile that Max Hoffman had almost single-handedly willed into being, the production 300 SL made its debut in the United States, not in Germany, which was a Mercedes first. More than 1,000 of the 1,400 cars produced between 1954 and early 1957 were delivered through Hoffman, to whose showrooms the rich and famous flocked. The 300 SL was as much a status symbol in its time as it is today, as it was favored by everyone from Hollywood stars to racing legends to genuine royalty.
The 300 SL was also raced and piloted by the top drivers of the day, such as John Fitch, Olivier Gendebien, Paul O’Shea, Prince Metternich, and of course Sir Stirling Moss, who holds the “forever” course record for his famous Mille Miglia finish in 1955. It all added to the romance of a car that seemed destined to become a legend the moment production began. It had all of the right ingredients: incredible exclusivity, incredible speed, and an incredible price.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing 1955

“A thoroughbred in every sense of the word,” advertising boasted, “and a car which will be recognized by all enthusiasts as the ‘last word’ in sporting automobiles; a car which puts indescribable pleasure into driving!”

CHASSIS NUMBER 198.040.5500397

The 300 SL Gullwing presented here, chassis 5500397, is recorded in the Gull Wing Group Register as having been originally delivered by special order through Max Hoffman’s New York salesroom, finished in Black with a Light Grey interior. Its earliest known owners were in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, including William Charles Young of Chevy Chase, Maryland, followed by Laurence R. Langfeldt of the District of Columbia.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing 1955

In 1974, the car was bought by Earl J. Broyles, a well-known businessman and antique automobile collector from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Mr. Broyles is known to have owned the 300 SL for several years. Subsequently, it was acquired by Frank E. Gump of Summit, New Jersey, a Gull Wing Group member, for whom it was regularly maintained by the well-known East Coast facility Paul Russell & Co. of Essex, Massachusetts.
In 2007, the 300 SL’s ownership was taken over by Tom Horan of Denver, Colorado, the well-known enthusiast currently serving as Chairman of the Colorado Grand. While in Mr. Horan’s ownership, it was fully restored to concours quality by another well-known expert, Scott Grundfor of California, one of the country’s foremost specialists. More recently, in 2011, the car has undergone further mechanical restoration and service by the noted German firm Kienle.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing 1955

The car’s body is finished in White (actually closer to an attractive cream) with proper Red upholstery in the correct leather; the bodywork was correctly media-blasted and prepped prior to painting, and the brightwork both inside and out is correct and fresh, with triple-plated chrome used for the exterior. As part of the Grundfor restoration, the engine was upgraded for improved power with the desirable NSL camshaft, as was used in the competition Alloy Gullwings, and stainless-steel exhaust was installed. The chassis still has the original front belly pan, while the wheels have been changed out for correct Rudge-style knock-offs, a popular factory option in the period. Within the dashboard is the original Becker Mexico automatic signal-seeking radio, with a new automatic Hirschmann antenna. The interior boasts a proper wool headliner and German square-weave wool carpeting, with a set of correct reproduction luggage fitted to the trunk.
Inspection reports on file from previous owners indicate that the car retains its original bodywork and correct number stampings and plates throughout, as well as the original engine; the transmission is also of the correct type. Exhaustive effort was obviously made to keep the car as authentic as possible and ensure the best presentation from top to bottom.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen 1939 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen 1939

The early years of high-end car collecting were populated largely by those who had known the men who sold and owned their cars when new. These were, to quote a Chandler automobile advertisement of the 1920s, “men who know”—gentlemen (and a few ladies) instinctively blessed with an eye for a car that is not simply good but great and that, when reconditioned to its original glory, could win the highest awards the hobby could offer it. The Mercedes-Benz 540 K here is significant in that, for its entire known history, figures of that stripe have been its caretakers.

THE TENOR OF HIS TIMES

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen 1939

According to the Daimler-Benz archives, chassis and engine number 408371 were delivered under kommission number 311463 to a client in Paris on April 29, 1939. The bodywork is recorded by the factory as a Cabriolet A, which even in standard form was a striking automobile; however, this was no standard example. It was ordered with a raked vee’d windshield, a feature found on the iconic Spezial Roadsters of the period, which emphasizes both the length of the front end and the powerful thrust of the front fenders. Only one similar example of such a Spezial Cabriolet, produced on a 500 K chassis, is known to exist. The cabin offers sumptuous seating for two additional passengers behind the front seats, with fitted luggage aft, and being a late example, it also is fitted with the desirable five-speed transmission.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen 1939

The car obviously made its way to the United States early in its existence. Its earliest known post-war owner was American operatic tenor James Melton, popularly known as “The Tenor of His Times” (also the title of a recent biography by his daughter). Melton made his collecting of interesting old automobiles—still something eccentric in the 1930s and 1940s—part of his public persona, using them regularly in public appearances and mentioning them on the radio. He was, it can be said without exaggeration, the best-known American car collector of the time. Accordingly, he was regularly offered automobiles, occasionally by original owners who still had them in the carriage house, and usually for next to nothing.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen 1939

Melton seems to have used his 540 K regularly and extensively for much of the rest of his life. He and the car were photographed together many times, including at Indianapolis in 1947, next to Don Lee’s Mercedes-Benz W154 racing car; at Watkins Glen, prior to the Seneca Cup, in 1949; and in front of the Melton household in Weston, Connecticut. In his 1954 autobiography, Bright Wheels Rolling, he wrote of the fun that he had with his supercharged beast:
Most superchargers draw from the carburetor, but the Mercedes type blew through the carburetor. The whistle of the compressed air going past the obstructions and turnings of the carburetor made a noise that would lift the wig off a dressmaker’s dummy. Also, the supercharger didn’t run all the time, but only on demand, when you put your foot flat down.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen 1939

It was standard on the last big passenger model Mercedes-Benz made before World War II, the 540K, and I used to have a lot of fun with mine. When I engaged the supercharger, people riding with me would go halfway through the roof and look wildly around for the panic button. They were ready to bail out.
Reflective of the car’s importance in James Melton’s life is that, even as he began selling his collection in the 1950s, the 540 K stayed behind. Only shortly before his passing in 1961 was it sold, as one of the final cars in his stable.

BEST OF SHOW

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen 1939

The Mercedes-Benz lived quietly for almost a decade and was then purchased by the next renowned collector in its history, Otis Chandler. The latest family member to publish the Los Angeles Times, Chandler is well remembered by his many friends in the car collecting hobby as a good-natured, conscientious enthusiast of superb integrity, known for purchasing only the finest examples for his diverse and superb collection. The 540 K was restored for Chandler by Richard Martin in time for the 1973 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Finished in a striking two-tone green livery, it was shown by Marilyn B. Chandler along with the couple’s Duesenberg Model J Tourster. The 540 K won top honors in its class and went on to win the prestigious Best of Show award.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen 1939

Following its ownership by Mr. Chandler, the 540 K was subsequently purchased by Tom Barrett for his client, Axel Wars, a Mexican enthusiast at the time amassing one of the most substantial collections of fine pre-war classics of the era. When the Wars collection was dispersed in the early 1980s, the Spezial Cabriolet A was purchased by General William Lyon. It remained in General Lyon’s famous stable for nearly a decade, meriting an appearance in the pages of Beverly Rae Kimes’ 1990 book The Classic Car.
In the early 1990s, the car was restored again by the late Mike Fennel of Saugas, California, during which time it was changed to the present livery of bright scarlet, with tan leather upholstery and a tan cloth top. It then joined its present owner’s collection, where it has now been maintained for two decades.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen 1939

Having accumulated a spectacular history through its decades of ownership by the most famous names in the hobby, both then and now, this can rightfully be considered one of the superlative 540 Ks. It has all that a superb automobile should have: memorable lines, superb engineering, and abundant (James Melton might say hair-raising) power. Most of all, it has always been intact and preserved, loved, appreciated, and shown, to Best of Show–winning results by “men who know.”

Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet 1965 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet 1965

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1962, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet was a technically advanced grand tourer wrapped in a modern design penned by the legendary Paul Bracq. The pinnacle of the S-class series, it found favour among well-heeled buyers, particularly in the United States.
Based on the ground-breaking W112 series, the 300 SE began the tradition of innovation that remains a central part of the Mercedes-Benz marque. It featured power steering, pneumatic suspension, and a dual-circuit brake system with disc brakes giving excellent ride, performance, and handling matched with class-leading build quality.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet 1965

This desirable matching-numbers 300 SE Cabriolet was first registered in Paris on 31 May 1965, where it spent most of its cosseted life in the hands of one fastidious lady owner for many years. It was maintained regardless of cost by Mercedes-Benz dealers or marque specialists. It has been the subject of a correct restoration, including a recent refurbishment with detailed inspection report. This rare manual version retains many of its original features including the sumptuous blue leather interior, which is in excellent condition. Also retained is the original Becker Europa radio set into an unmarked burr walnut dashboard.
This fabulous example of a Bracq-era Mercedes-Benz is fast appreciating in value. Ideal for long-distance touring and even as a daily driver.

Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet A 1957 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet A 1957

Introduced in April of 1951 at the first-ever Frankfurt Motor Show and later that year in October at the Paris Motor Show, the 300 was to be the crown jewel in the post-war Mercedes-Benz crown. The 300 was initially offered in cabriolet and saloon models on the W186 chassis; however, the shorter and sportier W188 chassis would also be used to provide customers with roadster, coupe, and cabriolet versions. Featuring an independent suspension, the 300 provided outstanding comfort, even when cruising at a maximum speed of 100 mph.
In 1955, the engineers upgraded the engine using the Bosch fuel-injection system introduced on the 300 SL. Fuel was injected directly into the cylinders, but the fuel-injection pump was driven by a chain instead of a gear train. With a slightly milder cam than the sports cars, the M188 II engine produced 175 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque, a substantial increase over the 300 S.

Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet A 1957

With the new engine, denoted by the words “Einspritzmotor” (fuel-injected engine) on the rear bumper, the 300 Sc was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1955. Only a few other trim changes, including chromed cooling vents about each fender, perforated chromed disc wheels, and enlarged turn signals, distinguished the new model.
With the technical improvements, 145 units were sold during the remainder of 1955 and through 1956. However, even the impeccable craftsmanship and traditional lines were not enough to overcome potential buyers’ reluctance to accept the lack of air conditioning, automatic transmission, and powered amenities common in competitive luxury cars. Only 52 units would be sold in 1957 and three more in 1958 after production ended. In total, only 49 cabriolets, 53 roadsters, and 98 coupes were sold, making these models among the rarest dealer-ordered automobiles ever produced by Mercedes-Benz.

CHASSIS NUMBER 188.013.6500145

Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet A 1957

The cabriolet presented here recently underwent a complete restoration by specialists in California, where the current owner acquired it following long-term ownership by two Pacific Coast residents. The fenders, doors, trunk, and hood were all removed and the body stripped down to bare metal prior to painting. Matching the build sheet, the Black (DB 114) finish was applied in six stages, then sanded and buffed to produce a rich finish. In addition to the stunning black livery, the exterior and a large majority of interior chrome were redone with triple plating; the original rims, hubcaps, radiator shell and cap, door handles, and door lock cylinder were re-chromed by the same individual to ensure a consistent finish. Some parts were replaced with NOS components, such as the 300 S badge on the rear and the correct convex Mercedes-Benz stars.

Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet A 1957

The correct Red (1079) leather interior is fully new and hand-stitched for a precision fit, as is the top pad and headliner, while the red braided leather roof handles are original and remain in good condition. Further interior work was also completed on the steering wheel, ashtray, and other accessories.
The engine received a comprehensive examination, including disassembly, inspection, and servicing; work was also completed on the wire harness, ensuring that all electrical components are in proper working order throughout. The horns and sealed-beam headlamps were disassembled and restored to their proper working condition.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937

The Mercedes-Benz 540 K was one of the most prestigious and, in the eyes of many, the most beautiful automobile of the interwar years. Its combination of power, light weight, and sheer beauty made it the master of the road, and it was a testimonial to the astonishing capabilities of the German automotive engineers of the day. It was also breathtakingly expensive, guaranteeing exclusivity among its owners; just 419 chassis were built, and of those, only a handful carried the superlative longtail Spezial Roadster coachwork that may well have been the high point of the coachbuilder’s art at Mercedes-Benz’s own Sonderwagenbau in Sindelfingen.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937

The Special Roadster is the ultimate Mercedes-Benz 540 K. Remarkably, it effectively accommodates only two passengers. Yet, the Sindelfingen designers succeeded in designing a car that looks much smaller and lighter than it is. The gently sloping and instantly recognizable Mercedes-Benz radiator is tucked back at the front wheels’ centerline behind sweeping front fenders. The fenders then dominate the long hood before gently curving up to create the rear fenders, which in turn flow delicately down, wrapping into the tail. Subtle bright accents complement and outline the form of the body elements, punctuated by functional and styling details that draw the eye and mitigate the effect of the roadster’s size. Two massive exhaust pipes emerge from the hood’s right side and disappear into the fender, suggesting the power that lurks inside.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937

Exceptionally priced at 28,000 Reichsmark, or about $12,000 US at the prevailing exchange rate, the Special Roadster was priced by New York importer Mitropa Motors at about $14,000 landed in the United States—about 40 percent more than the most expensive catalogue-bodied Cadillac V-16. As a result, only a mere handful of supercharged eight-cylinder Mercedes-Benz automobiles sold in the United States were Special Roadsters. Among them is the exceptional automobile offered here.

REGINALD SINCLAIRE AND HIS 540 K

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937

Chassis number 130894 is one of the earliest known examples of the 540 K known to exist. Jan Melin notes in the first volume of Mercedes-Benz: The Supercharged 8-Cylinder Cars of the 1930s that the factory recorded cars up to chassis number 130900 as 500 Ks, with 13 examples having the 5.4-liter motor and being, in effect, pre-production 540 Ks. The possibility of 130894 having special status or being used for display purposes while still in the hands of the factory, like other closely numbered Special Coupes and Roadsters, is still being explored at the time of publication. It was subsequently delivered through Mitropa Motors, the aforementioned U.S. distributor, in New York City on April 24, 1937.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937

The original owner of the car has long been believed to have been Reginald Sinclaire of Larkspur, Colorado. The Sinclaire name is one known in many circles. He was born in Corning, New York, the heir of Henry Purdon Sinclaire, one of the founders of Corning Glass. Prior to U.S. involvement in the First World War, Reginald Sinclaire became a member of the famous Lafayette Flying Corps, a group of American volunteers who flew in the French Air Force. He relocated to the Colorado Springs area in 1921 and, with the exception of further service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, remained on his beloved Larkspur Ranch for the rest of his life.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937

The 540 K Special Roadster was not the first or last great automobile that Sinclaire owned. A man of means and with a keen interest in automobiles at a unique time in history, he is very similar to his East Coast contemporary in New York, William A.M. Burden, in having owned important luxury automobiles both before and after the Second World War. Among the cars that were counted in the Sinclaire stable were a 540 K Cabriolet B and a Duesenberg Model SJ. According to recent conversations with two of his grandchildren, he continued to indulge himself in the best new cars in the post-war era; they distinctly recall several Mercedes-Benzes remaining on hand, including a 300 SL Gullwing. He also enjoyed a Maserati, an Aston Martin DB4, and a Bentley S3 Continental.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937

The Sinclaire grandchildren note that many of their grandfather’s cars were kept in a large garage at the ranch. Others were maintained at the Broadmoor, a luxury hotel and resort in Colorado Springs. For seven decades, the Broadmoor had a garage where its affluent clientele would have their cars stored and serviced. The hotel also stabled polo ponies for many of those same patrons. A recent conversation with the Broadmoor’s archivist confirmed that Reginald Sinclaire was a familiar name; he stabled both cars and ponies there and was a close friend of the Broadmoor’s colorful owner, Spencer Penrose.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937

Reference to Sinclaire’s pair of 540 Ks appears in the June 1948 issue of the Horseless Carriage Club of America Gazette, as part of a mention of notable old cars in Colorado: “Robert Donner of Colorado Springs has a Duesenberg; so does Reginald Sinclaire of Colorado Springs, and two Mercedes-Benz cars to boot.” A photo of Sinclaire with the Cabriolet B while on a hunting trip appears in Life magazine in 1949. It is likely that he kept the Cabriolet B and Special Roadster until the mid- to late-1950s, around the same time that he is known to have sold the Duesenberg.

A CENTERPIECE OF GREAT COLLECTIONS

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937

In 1957, the Special Roadster appeared at an exhibition of antique automobiles, “Horseless Carriage Days,” held at the Denver Art Museum, as is also documented in the HCCA Gazette. It was shown by James S. Harrison, of 1 Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard in the affluent Broadmoor neighborhood, who was vice president of Import Motors, a dealership that specialized in new foreign cars. It is likely, given his address and profession, that Harrison would have known Sinclaire and purchased this car directly from him, some time prior to display in Denver.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937

Later in the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz came into the ownership of E.W. Price, a great enthusiast in Boulder, Colorado, who counted two Duesenbergs, an Auburn, and a Cord among his fine collection. However, his daughter Layne recalls that the 540 K was his special pride and joy. It was sold around 1962 when Mrs. Price lobbied for their three daughters to attend private school. The purchaser was Irving Tushinsky of Sun Valley, California, passing next to his good friend Thomas Barrett III, the well-known antique automobile dealer.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937

Barrett in turn sold the Special Roadster to his greatest client of the era, Axel Wars, as part of what became a magnificent collection of important pre-war automobiles, believed to have numbered over 100 specimens. At the time of the Wars Collection’s dispersal in the mid-1980s, the 540 K’s next owner commissioned the well-known Mike Fennel of Saugas, California, to restore the car in its current livery.
The Sinclaire 540 K Special Roadster has been maintained in the collection of its current owner since 1989. It presents in wonderful condition a figure that is believed to be original. The car retains all its original drivetrain components, including engine number 130894, and a recent inspection by a specialist indicated numerous original wood components bearing the body number 200335. The typenschild on the firewall, bearing the chassis number and order number of 218872, is also the original plate installed by the factory in 1937!

SUMMARY OF A LEGEND

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen 1937

Few of the Special Roadsters were built in this most desirable configuration, with high doors, a long tail, and factory left-hand drive. It is believed that only six left-hand-drive longtail roadsters exist today. These cars are held in esteemed collections as centerpieces and seldom ever come to market. When they do, they are even less frequently truly great cars that have led relatively obscure lives, such as the Sinclaire Special Roadster.
The offering of chassis 130894, after 26 years in the same stable, is sure to garner tremendous interest from the world’s most discerning Mercedes-Benz collectors, who recognize this as an automobile of unparalleled elegance and uniqueness, as well as one that will afford them an opportunity for display at any of the most prestigious motoring events around the world. It is many things, among them the finest design of Sindelfingen, the finest factory coachbuilder of them all. It is also an important historical artifact of the West, as the pride and joy of one of the most significant and fascinating automotive enthusiasts—the airplane-flying, cattle-ranching, supercharged-eight-loving socialite Reginald Sinclaire.