The 1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP “Roi des Belges”, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster and 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing will all headline Amelia Island Auctions. The 1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP “Roi des Belges”, is particularly interesting as it comes fresh to market from 121 years of continuous family ownership. The car will also be displayed at the upcoming Salon Rétromobile exhibition.
1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP “Roi des Belges” (Approximately Upwards of USD 10,000,000)
The Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP is a classic vintage car and was the blueprint for all of the automobiles that would follow. Considered to be the very first supercar, its design was so ahead of its time that it redefined performance capabilities, serving as the basis of Mercedes’ cutting-edge technology in their winning Grand Prix cars even as late as 1908. Manufacturers throughout the world would boast in their advertisements that their cars were built “in the style of Mercedes,” as these were the cars everyone wanted to make, drive, and own. Its influence, importance and indelible legacy can’t be overstated.
Designed by Wilhelm Maybach and produced by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) at the behest of Emil Jellinek, the Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP is widely regarded as the first modern, high-performance automobile. Powered by a 9.25-liter F-head inline four-cylinder engine, which produced an ample 60 HP, the Mercedes was capable of reaching speeds topping 80 mph, making it the fastest production car in the world at the turn of the 20th century. The Mercedes-Simplex featured many of the mechanical and technical advances of its time, including a state-of-the-art chassis with a low center of gravity, a gated H-pattern four-speed gearbox, smooth scroll-type clutch, dual-chain drive, and honeycomb radiator. Between 1903 and 1905, the Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP dominated the world of racing, winning countless speed trials, hill climbs, and circuit races. Its performance abilities were best demonstrated at the 1903 Gordon Bennett Cup held in Ireland. Belgian racing drivers Camille Jenatzy and John McLaren won the race in an ordinary production car, beating purpose-built racing vehicles.
The car is still in a very original state, and the leather upholstery on its Rothschild bodywork has been preserved to a large extent. This car is one of only four remaining examples in private ownership, with a fifth example, a Long-Wheelbase Omnibus, at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. Further, the Harmsworth Mercedes is one of only two such cars with original coachwork still intact. This car is a family heirloom that has not changed hands in over 120 years. However, what is most important is that this is the only Mercedes 60 HP that has a known racing pedigree, and a winning one, at that! This is the first time it has ever been offered at auction. It is one of the most important cars that have ever appeared. Gooding & Company has never before offered a car from such long-standing single-family ownership and is honored to present one of the most valuable antique-era cars in existence. Presented from the family of one of England’s most influential figures of the modern era, with documented period competition history, this Mercedes-Simplex comes to market as one of the most historic, important, and groundbreaking automobiles from the dawn of motoring – setting the stage for a historic moment ready to unfold in front of the world at the upcoming Amelia Island Auctions this March.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (Approximately between USD 2,200,000 – USD 2,800,000)
The 300 SL Roadster is one of most coveted sports cars in history. Gooding & Company is proud to offer one of the most original, well-preserved 300 SLs of any type in existence, chassis 198.042.7500348, for its upcoming Amelia Island Auctions. This very rare factory Rudge-wheel Roadster was one of only 30 built. According to the consignor, it retains most of its original paint along with the original interior, the soft top and numerous other seldom seen details. The Roadster was owned by only three people since new. Its second owner kept it for 54 years. The 300 SL was meticulously restored by HK Engineering in current ownership. They went to great lengths for the original finishes to be preserved, especially the engine compartment. The Roadster is resplendent in Silbergrau Metallic (Silver-Gray Metallic) with a Rot (Red Leather) interior and Schwarz (Black) soft top. The car comes with a set of original Hepco luggage as well as manuals and toolkits. Also included are a second set date-stamped Rudge rims, an injection pump spare, and a rare onboard factory parts kit. It also retains its matching-numbers engine, body, chassis, steering box, rear end, and front axles, per a copy of its Mercedes-Benz data card. The sheer number of this Roadster’s astonishing attributes make it an automobile of true historic import and extreme rarity. This singular Mercedes-Benz will impress anyone fortunate enough to see it, and a close inspection by even the most knowledgeable 300 SL enthusiast will be highly rewarded.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (Approximately between USD 1,600,000 – USD 1,800,000)
This fastidiously maintained 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing comes to Amelia Island with an exceptionally documented history from new, consisting of just two California owners from 1955 to 2023 before acquisition by the consignor. Glen Smith Harman M.D. was its first owner. He regularly drove the vehicle, and accumulated over 130,000 miles before the end of 1967. The doctor was as meticulous with his Gullwing, as he was in his professional life. He kept detailed records of all the routine maintenance and services performed on it over the years. Rudy Geipel was a 300 SL expert from the area who rebuilt the car’s engine in 1973. In 1986, it was repainted DB50 White. After Doctor Harman passed away in 1999, his wife Lillian carefully handpicked the car’s next caretaker, and in 2003, the Gullwing made its way into the hands of Gull Wing Group member and accomplished mechanic, Robert West. West enjoyed the car sparingly at club events for the next 20 years. This Gullwing has never been offered before at public auction. It is a standout amongst the many other examples that have graced the stage.
Elements of this article were referenced from Gooding & Company
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