A 1903 Mercedes Simplex 60hp “Roi des Berges,” a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, and a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing will be among the highlights of the Amelia Island auction. The 1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP “Roi des Belges” is of particular interest as it was newly introduced to the market after 121 years of continuous family ownership. This car will also be displayed at the upcoming Salon Retromobile exhibition.
1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP “Roi des Belges” (approximately over $10,000,000)
The Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP was a classic vintage car and the blueprint for all that followed. Considered the first supercar, its design was so far ahead of its time that it redefined performance capabilities, and served as the basis for Mercedes’ cutting-edge technology in its winning Grand Prix cars until 1908. Ta. Manufacturers around the world boast in their advertisements that their cars are made to look “Mercedes-like.” Because these were the cars everyone wanted to build, drive, and own. Its importance, influence and indelible legacy cannot be overstated.
Designed by Wilhelm Maybach and manufactured by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) on the orders of Emil Jelinek, the Mercedes Simplex 60 HP is widely regarded as the first modern high-performance automobile. Powered by his 9.25 liter F-head inline four-cylinder engine, which produced enough 60 horsepower, the Mercedes was able to reach speeds of over 130 miles per hour, making it the world’s fastest production car in the early 20th century. The Mercedes Simplex featured many mechanical and technological advances of the time, including a state-of-the-art chassis with a low center of gravity, a gated H-pattern four-speed gearbox, a smooth scroll clutch, and a dual. -Chain drive, honeycomb radiator. From 1903 to 1905, the Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP dominated the racing world, winning countless speed trials, hill climbs and circuit races. Its unparalleled performance ability was most clearly demonstrated at the Gordon Bennett Cup held in Ireland in 1903. There, Belgian Racing’s driver Camille Gennaci won the race outright, beating his dedicated Racing machine, which was a stock production car delivered to a private customer.
Today, the car remains in very original condition, with the wonderful Rothschild bodywork still retaining much of its original leather upholstery. This car is one of only four of his vehicles left in private ownership, and the fifth long-wheelbase Omnibus is housed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. It has been. Additionally, the Harmsworth Mercedes is one of only two of his cars that still has its original bodywork intact. Remarkably, the car has never changed hands and has remained an heirloom in the Harmsworth family for over 120 years. But most importantly, this is the only race-proven and winning Mercedes 60 HP. This car is being offered for sale for the first time in its history and is one of the most important cars ever offered at public auction. Gooding & Company has never before offered a car that has been in single family ownership for such a long period of time, and we are proud to offer his one of the most valuable antique-era cars in existence. Gifted by the family of one of the most influential figures in modern Britain, this Mercedes Simplex documents the history of the sport at the time and is one of the most historic, important and ground-breaking cars from the early days of the automobile. It was brought to market as one and set the stage. Get ready for a historic moment in front of the world at Amelia Island Auction this March.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (approx. USD 2,200,000 – USD 2,800,000)
The iconic 300 SL Roadster needs no introduction as it is one of the most coveted and revered sports cars ever produced. Gooding & Company is proud to offer his one of the most original and best-preserved 300 SLs of any type in existence, chassis 198.042.7500348, for the upcoming Amelia Island auction. This extremely rare factory Rudge wheel roadster is one of fewer than 30 produced and features much of its original paint, along with its original interior, soft top, and countless other rarely seen details. The shipper believes that the This roadster only had three owners from new, but was maintained by its second owner for an amazing 54 years. The 300 SL currently owned has been painstakingly and carefully mechanically restored by 300 SL guru HK Engineering, with extensive efforts to maintain the original finish in the engine room and other areas. spent. The roadster shines in Silbergrau Metallic (silver-gray metallic) with a Rott (red leather) interior and Schwarz (black) soft top. This car comes with the original Hepco luggage set, along with a manual, jack, tool kit, his second set of date-stamped Rudge wheels, a spare injection pump, and a rare factory parts kit. I am. According to a copy of the Mercedes-Benz data card, the engine, body, chassis, steering box, rear end and front axle with matching numbers are also preserved. This roadster’s many amazing attributes make it a car of real historical value and extremely rare. This unique Mercedes-Benz will impress anyone lucky enough to see it. Even the most knowledgeable 300 SL enthusiast will appreciate a closer look.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (approx. USD 1,600,000 – USD 1,800,000)
This well-maintained 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing comes to Amelia Island with an exceptional documented history from new. From 1955 until 2023 when it was purchased by the consignor, it consisted of only two California owners. The first owner was Glenn Smith Herman, M.D., who drove the car regularly and by the end of 1967 he had covered over 130,000 miles. The doctor cared for his beloved Gullwings as precisely as his profession and left an exceptional record. The servicing and regular maintenance that has been done to the car for decades. The engine rebuild was done in his 1973 by local 300 SL expert Rudy Geipel and in 1986 the Gullwing was repainted to its original DB50 white. After Dr. Herman passed away in 1999, his wife Lillian carefully selected the car’s next custodian, and in 2003 the Gullwing was acquired by Gullwing Robert, a member of his group and a skilled mechanic. He ended up in West’s hands. West owned the car for the next 20 years, enjoying it sparingly at club events. Never before sold to the public, this Gullwing is a standout among the many that have come to auction, and it is a well-maintained and lovingly designed car that hails from California and is new to California. It retains the essence of a well-maintained 300 SL. .
Elements of this article were referenced from Gooding & Company.
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