Our 300b now glows after heavy color sanding/polishing and installation of restored wheel covers, a $1,500 investment. Blackwall tires complete the period look and take us back to 1954.

Dash reassembly for the 250SE coupe is a tedious affair. We've reconditioned each item that goes back in place - gauges, clock, temp levers, radio etc. Restored dash will glow. New seat leather, new carpets and carefully dyed original dash pads/door panels are ready for installation.

Our Euro SLC is now in the east coast. Sans bumpers and with the unique covers installed, the Icon Gold SLC takes on a tougher stance. Cosmetics recovered remarkably well after an aggressive color sand and polish. We'll miss this muscular 5.0 liter SLC.

Had the car remained in our inventory, the next step would have been short, progressive rate springs and a set of spot lights to complete the look. We're already after another 5.0 liter, a late series 1980 500SLC.

Recently rescued from a barn and now running superbly after a $7,500 mechanical rebuild, our unmolested 200D is a great 111 sedan find. Thankfully, no one altered this car from its original specification. Dead paint will be left alone.

Moderately weathered but completely original interior will be massaged as best possible. Panel fit and closure is as good as the day it was originally sold. However, dry door seals prompt massive door rattles while the diesel idles. We love the overall patina.

Burlingame Motors' brain trust Rene Wiegand and Al Salas attend to one of the most original Cabriolets in the country.

What does the 'Plush Green Fabric' interior look like? It appears much like a sofa from the '30s. It's remarkably intact however and creates a comfy environment. Wood is excellent and a radio was never installed. We'll make this unique 300 glow.

Trial fit of the rear bumper finisher gives an idea of the final look. Once the corner pieces are fitted, the tail will have a clean purposeful look. And we save at least 100lbs by not fitting the bumpers. Large rear exit exhaust pipes fit nicely.

Our side exhaust system was unbearably loud. A nice full length system with minimal restriction gives the alloy 5.0 liter a nice bellow but is not obnoxious.

There's not much left to restore in the interior of our coupe. We'll make sure all the firewall plugs are secure to prevent any unnecessary engine noise/heat from entering the interior. We might install some dyna mat as well to aid refinement.

The freshly restored main instrument binnacle is perfection. Madera Concepts performed their magic once again. It's up to us to not damage the gorgeous pieces during installation.

Lot #009 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster CHASSIS NO. 198.042.10.002898 ENGINE NO. 198.980.10.002959: Disc brakes, hard top, tools, factory luggage, matching numbers, undated restoration, mechanical restoration attended to by Bill Richardson, estimate: $700,000 - $850,000 ------ SOLD for $852,500. 172 Anthracite Grey/Red leather, Euro Headlamps, recent extensive 'body-on' restored under the watchful eye of Dr. Phil Lufty. Euro headlamps, polished wheels, black license plate CA car, dare Luggage, slight fuel door misalignment, gorgeous paint and trim combination - a (sensible) color change I believe , period style Talbot outside mirror, spotless fresh engine area w/correct finishes/decals, soft top only, disc brakes and cast iron engine block. Phil Lufty has been creating superb vintage Mercedes-Benz for decades, carrying on a passion fostered by his father. $852k is certainly Gullwing price territory but the price received reflected the color/trim combination and Dr. Lufty's penchant for perfection. Compare this result with that of lot #154, a roadster presenting quite a different appearance.

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Lot #010 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet CHASSIS NO. 112.023.10.004451 ENGINE NO. 189.985. 10.000176: ex Margaret Rockefeller Strong, 4-speed manual gearbox, correct color/trim combination, no substantial condition information provided by the catalogue. Estimate: $80,000 - $100,000, no reserve ------ SOLD for $79,750. Probable US model, Bosch driving lights, nice street condition chrome, missing lower rocker cover finishers, mis-aligned deck lid, 4-spd manual gearbox, Kuhlmeister AC, faded upper dash wood, recent era velour carpet, fully dyed slightly crispy interior leather, crudely patched left rear floor area, uniform paint fish-eye and orange peel. Not a particularly interesting 112 cabriolet and lacking much attention to cosmetic details. We're having great difficulty locating 111/112 cabriolets of any description hence buyers can only be so picky when presented with an opportunity to buy an reasonably attractive example. A 112 cabriolet has a massive downside risk should its 189 series engine - $20kish to correctly rebuild - be loosing its edge. And there is the issue of the eternally finicky air suspension. An average example at best, if the engine and suspension are solid this cabriolet was market correct at just below its low estimate.

Lot #029: 1963 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL CHASSIS NO. 121.040.10.023853 ENGINE NO. 121.928.10.001761: Weber carb conversion, generally unrestored, blessed by Alex Finigan, 60k miles showing possibly correct, correct engine, $60,000 - $90,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $68,750 ------ I did not have a chance to inspect this SL but I did have a chance to speak to the winning bidder - a long time acquaintance of MercedesHeritage.com - and the loosing bidder - MecedesHeritage.com's number one client. The buyer was comfortably at home bidding online with a Scotch in one hand. He must have been musing that since that guy Roy Spencer hadn't been able to find a car for him, he'd simply take matters in his own hands (with a little scotch induced courage) and click the mouse. He's a lucky guy as he paid only $1,000 more than the two most precise Dutch 190SL experts on the planet. Based on this fact I have to consider this attractive 190SL well bought. Good job Chris.

Lot #037 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL CHASSIS NO. 113.043.10.000894 ENGINE NO. 129.982.10.000572: factory 5-speed, 22k KM from new, three owners, full documentation, Philips record player(!), extensive history, an extraordinary original survivor, ex-Phil Lufty, Estimate: $110,000 - $140,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $126,500. 050 white, body #860, 22,600 km showing, missing horizontal rear panel trim rubber, correct white grey bumper inner surfaces, small area of rust(?) repair in the rr inner wheel well area, perfect shut lines, excellent chrome, chrome wheel arch moldings, matching hood/lid cover body numbers, weathered firewall pad, original soft top(?), Philips record player, Euro car w/chrome trip piece under license plate area, clean inner wheel wells. I inspected this car in Arizona some years ago and it was obviously a gorgeous, largely untouched survivor 250SL. The record player was a revelation. It was not for sale at that time. It's really a lovely car with a subtle patina of age, our favorite condition. But $126,500? This figure will buy some very interesting pre-1972 open Mercedes-Benz although none showing 13,500 miles on the clock. Mileage and presentation multiplied the price by a factor of roughly 3. Not sure if the new owner will be able to see this figure again anytime soon so I'll regard Dr. Lufty's amazing 250SL as well sold.

Lot 067 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster CHASSIS NO. 198.042.7500526 ENGINE NO. 198.980.7500469: silver/red, documented from new, handbooks, tools, ready to tour, re-stamped replacement NOS factory engine block installed circa 1976, engine rebuilt again circa January 2000, Estimate: $475,000 - $550,000 ------ SOLD for $638,000. Misc stone chips, dirty wheels, polished rims flat and cloudy, non-pleated leather, starting instructions attached to the dash not encouraging as to a healthy running roadster, obviously wrinkled left front inner apron from collision damage, repaired chassis down tube where secured to the chassis triangle at firewall area, aux cooling fan. This roadster certainly did not enhance Gooding's reputation for presenting high caliber offerings. Did the buyer pay almost $100k over the high estimate because of a fundamental confidence in Gooding's ability to source, inspect and qualify their generally superb offerings? A moderately discerning buyer would have ignored this roadster. Well sold.

Lot #068 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL CHASSIS NO. 121.042.7501671 ENGINE NO. 121.921.7501692: red/tan, color changed from Strawberry Red, recent service, restored in 1995 to AACA standards, recent cosmetic freshening, Estimate: $45,000 - $60,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $52,800. Odd switch mounted on steering column, incorrect clock, poor sill finishing, misc fresh chrome, late style California license plates, missing jack point covers, pitted windshield surround, extensive paint orange peel, matching hood body number, missing paint code tag. This was a decent looking 190SL and the hammer price was $48kish hence a fair value. There aren't acceptable street condition 190Sls around every today corner and I would consider this car a fair value if the mechanical condition allows safe and enjoyable touring.

Lot #107 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL CHASSIS NO. 121.040.9502307: white/black, A Charitable Donation from Sheryl Crow, engine rebuilt circa 1993, negligible records, hardtop, Estimate: $50,000 - $80,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $143,000. Two tops, missing hard top base trim, average panel fit, presentable fairly correct interior, 66,278 miles showing, aftermarket gas cap, missing visors, heavy paint shrinkage on hard top, very clean undercarriage, possible floor patch passenger foot well area, coded 050 white, tidy engine bay, Solex carbs, probable original fenders. Of course we had extra value here due to the proceeds being donated to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. My split would be approximately $53k for the car and $90k for the charitable Foundation. A wonderful purchase from a kind buyer.

Lot #136 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica CHASSIS NO. JB 100: late series John Bentley Engineering replica, last chassis of the series, Estimate: $90,000 - $120,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $68,200. Evidently the last John Bentley/Daimler-Benz Patent-Motorwagen re-creation. Prices for these jewels vary and $80k-$100k was the market 5-7 years ago. No so today and even the ether of Mercedes-Benz'125th anniversary couldn't lift #100s price. In the next 5-10 years, this may look like a good buy. Well bought.

Lot #144 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL CHASSIS NO. 113.044.10.021487 ENGINE NO. 130.983.10.007554: both tops, blue/blue, 4-speed manual, misc reconditioning over the years including work in Costa Rica, last year of 113 production, largely original, Estimate: $60,000 - $80,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $82,500. Probably color changed to medium blue non-metallic, grey/blue leather, moldy interior, all heater levers broken, dash face still silver, 4 spd, no AC, loose side windows, poor hood fit, no headlight bezel area body 'creases', crude rust repair in the trunk, complete rear body 'light' panel replacement and probable deck lid as well, heavy undercoating. I had to check the catalogue again to make sure I had the correct car as I read my notes. $82k is ludicrous for this barely average, poorly maintained SL. But of course there were two interested parties who drove each other to 280SL oblivion in this case. A perplexing result for which the seller must be thanking his/her lucky stars. I'll put this sale down to another serious case of auction fever. Well sold does not begin to describe this sale.

Lot #154 The 1960 Copenhagen Motor Show 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster CHASSIS NO. 198.042.10.002509 ENGINE NO. 198.980.10.002552: Blue Grey/Tan, both tops, tools, matching numbers, single family owned through 2010 a 'garage' find, stored for three decades, 15,000 original miles, vast patina, original spare tire, no mention of whether the car will run, Estimate: $700,000 - $900,000 ------ SOLD for $962,500. Blue in 'as-found' condition hence unwashed, probably a high percentage of original paint, grungy exterior chrome will likely clean up nicely, what looked like rust would begin to disappear with some gentle rubbing, 15,009 miles showing, uneven length rocker peak lines side to side, perfect shutlines, original bias ply tires, creased front bumper, misc coachwork dimples, stored unused for 3 decades in Garden City New York, weathered engine bay, no mention of the whereabouts of the soft top lid cover, obviously a significant find in the 300SL world. The $962k selling price further establishes the market's recognition of survivor, unrestored automobiles regardless of manufacturer. Restoring this time-warp roaster to any significant extent will negate the premium paid for its extraordinary originality. My plan would be to entirely re-commission the car technically, carefully clean the interior, replace the tires, clean the windows (not the rest of the car!) and use it. How many more untouched extreme low mileage 300SLs exist? Certainly not many and I would consider this wonderfully aged roadster fairly bought.

Lot #025 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB CHASSIS NO. 100.012.12.000735: white/blue, three owners from new, highly original, 71k miles, re-commissioned after long term storage, Estimate: $90,000 - $120,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $88,000. Micro blistering deck lid, misc stone chips nose area, misc paint blemishes - scuffs/scratches - over many panels, minor windshield delamination, decent street level chrome, misc paint blend lines, overspray passenger door handle, very nice wood, original leather, nice tool roll, hydraulic spares kit, tidy engine bay, handbooks, recent invoices totaling $26,750 that included a valve job (water in the oil) and front suspension bellows wisely displayed on the driver's seat, 70,601 miles showing, probably a well sorted driver 600 SWB. Bringing this 600 forward cosmetically will require a bare metal respray and misc chrome adding a further $30k to the new owner's investment. $118k invested in a mid year non-sunroof low demand color/trim 600 SWB would be strong in my viewpoint, hence I feel this Grosser was a little pricy.

Lot #209 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet 11102712001432: Signal Red/Cognac, bare metal respray in 2004, floor shift, fresh leather in 2005, serviced by Old Timer Restorations, Estimate: $140,000-$180,000 US ------ SOLD for $154,000. A rare original 568 Signal Red 3.5, rude flat black engine bay inner aprons, poor front bumper chrome, Ziebart holes in door shut faces, door jamb VIN plate mounted backwards, newish cognac leather, inertia reel seatbelts, shiny but wavy coachwork, tool roll, nice trunk floor, rear tow loop partially ripped from undercarriage, poor rocker chrome to body fit, grungy undercarriage. I was asked to ponder this particular Cabriolet this last spring for a client, ultimately rejecting it after viewing undercarriage images. Priced at $165k at that time, the car was simply not 'crisp' enough for us to recommend to our client. Instead we sourced a nut and bolt restored (by the highly respected Lothar Motschenbacher) Silver/Black console auto CA 3.5 for $179k. While it was $25k more than this red 3.5, it was in fact a better buy. This red car would have to be disassembled and restored to achieve the same quality of the silver Motschenbacher restored car. The extra $25k we asked our client to spend was a bargain for Motschenbacher quality. Lot #209 was not for the picky 3.5 Cabriolet buyer but should offer the new owner a flashy top down cruiser at mid market money.

Lot #211 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Chassis No. 198042-10.003019: signal red/tan, disc brakes, matching numbers, serviced by RM Auto Restoration, Becker Mexico radio, fitted luggage, single top, Estimate: $650,000-$800,000 US ------ SOLD for $687,500. Upper nose panel replaced, black highlighted 300SL insignia, slightly wide right door gap, Becker Mexico radio, disc brakes, correct engine, tools, one piece of luggage, no data on original color, based on the catalogue description there was some re-commissioning required likely from lack of use. The roadster market is gradually telling us that we need to spend in the mid $600k range and up for a sorted 'driver' 300SL roadster, particularly of one if is after a disc brake car. Are we approaching the top of a 5 year price trend?

Lot #219 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe Chassis No. 198.040-6500214: black/red, restored by RM Auto Restoration in 2007, single owner through 2007, belly pans, 56k miles indicated, Estimate: $850,000-$1,100,000 US ------ SOLD for $836,000. Vin indicates a 1956, body off restored by RM in 2007, single ownership from 1957 to 2006, color changed from the original red to black, perfect chrome, Dunlop Roadspeed tires, spectacular coachwork, 56,143 miles showing, no luggage, excellent headliner and interior, essentially a faultless Gullwing that radiated perfection although sold at the low estimate. The right money for an exceptional Gullwing.

Lot #232 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen, Chassis No. 408383: black/black, from the William Lyon Family collection, 5-speed gearbox, one-off 'Spezial' coachwork, recent inspection by Mercedes-Benz Classic Germany, probable numbers matching 540K, transmission/steering box correct to the series, Estimate: $3,500,000-$4,500,000 US ------ SOLD for $4,620,000.

Lot #236 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Coupe by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 130944: from the Lyon Family Collection, 1936 Paris Salon car, copy of original build sheet, matching numbers, modern shocks, older restoration, ex-Mozart(?) Estimate: $3,250,000-$4,500,000 US ------ SOLD for 3,080,000. A rare 540K coupe, ex-1938 Paris Salon show car, ex-John Mozart, restored in the '60s and showing a fair amount of weathering particularly the interior, road driven quality undercarriage, both spare wheels showing rust, discolored bumper faces, oxidized and pitted lower control arms, a 'driver' 540K coupe if there is such a thing.

Lot #242 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 154140: silver/blue, from the Sam and Emily Mann collection, restored circa 1999, Pebble Beach class winner 2004, Estimate: Available Upon Request ------ SOLD for $9,680,000. 1 of 25 Spezial Roadsters, long tail covered spare coachwork, From the Sam and Emily Mann collection. Best of show Amelia Island 2011, magnificent in every respect. A commodity likely more stable than gold.

Lot #245 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe Chassis No. 198.0405500621: silver/black, two California owners from new, restored by Kevin Kay Restorations 1999-2003 at a cost of $375,000, luggage, sport cam, belly pans, rudge wheels, original leather remnants provided(!), 3:64 final drive, Estimate: $650,000-$850,000 US ------ SOLD for $803,00.

Lot #247 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Roadster by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 105380: red/tan, from the William Lyon Collection, inspected by Mercedes-Benz Classic, later series 500K transmission, fully restored, Estimate: $4,000,000-$5,000,000 US ------ SOLD for $3,767,500.

Lot #249 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 130945: black/black, transitional early series 540K, restored by Thomas Taffet circa 1994, 100pt Pebble Beach class winner 1996, restored again(!) by Taffet circa 2008, Estimate: Available Upon Request ------ SOLD for $2,970,000.

Lot #250 1935 Mercedes-Benz 290 Cabriolet D Chassis No. 104569: black/tan, restored 1999-2000, Best Interior at Ault Park in 2002, CCCA National show winner, Estimate: $200,000-$300,000 US ------ SOLD for $275,000. I had the unexpected chance to inspect this 290 during a Gullwing buying trip to Indiana earlier this year. The Levine restoration was holding up very nicely. While this Cab D looks reasonably handsome top up it becomes rather awkward looking with the massive top heaped over the rear quarters. Once back in CA I had a chance to chat with our our pre-war MBZ expert, Thomas Taffet, about the $275k asking price. Taffet laughed and pegged the value at an unrepeatable low figure - less than half of the asking. The $275k realized reveals that wise experts can sometimes misjudge the market. The seller got the price he quoted me in April less the sellers' fee. The price realized for the car would barely cover (California) restoration costs hence one could argue this pre-war open Mercedes was not a bad buy.

Lot #251 1924 Mercedes 28/95 Sport Phaeton by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 27003: yellow/black, sympathetic restoration in the '90s, rare coachwork, Estimate: $900,000-$1,200,000 US ------ SOLD for $1,017,500.

Lot #263 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Coupe Chassis No. WDDAJ76F76M001188: grey/tan, 2007 New Yord Auto Show car, 4,000 miles, just serviced, Estimate: $240,000-$280,000 US ------ SOLD for $242,000. Montana plates, essentially a new SLR, market correct for an early coupe and still more than a new SLS. Does this mean the outrageous SLR will outpace the new SLS in future value? I think so.

Lot #264 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Roadster Chassis No. 11304210018632: ivory/tan, 4-speed manual, minor paintwork over the years, 'original and unrestored', 30,000 kms, Euro model, recent attention by Mercedes-Benz Classic Center Irvine, CA, Estimate: $75,000-$100,000 US ------ SOLD for $82,500. Body # 3712, 670H Ivory, new firewall pad, uniformly pitted chrome except bumpers, missing tail horizontal chrome seal, reproduction spare tire cover, deck lid never disturbed, SS exhaust, collapsed engine mounts, my notes indicate a mileage/km reading of 53,457. I suppose like Phil Lufty's 250SL, extreme low mileage (about 18,000 miles as per RM) warrants a hefty premium. It's a shame this buyer wasn't aware of our single owner 1964 230SL w/52k miles earlier this year. It was far ahead of this Euro car on every front other than miles and was fitted with perfect original cognac leather. We sold that car to Europe in May for... $39,000. In lot 264's case mileage certainly trumped quality. Very well sold.

Lot #8541 1937 Mercedes-Benz 230 A cabriolet Creme over burgundy fenders, no substantial information regarding this specific car in the catalogue other than 'restored several years ago to a high standard and has been properly maintained ever since. Described as in good working condition, the vehicle has been fully finished for the auction.' No estimate ----- no sales results

Lot #8574 1972 Mercedes-Benz 250 C Coupe: tobacco brown with ivory roof/tan interior, unrestored, automatic, power windows, repainted twelve years ago, 150k miles, California car, No estimate. ------ SOLD for $6,050. We were not able to inspect this cute coupe but if things were in good, immediately usable order, we would consider this fairly bought.

Lot #8533 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Convertible Conversion, converted to open configuration from (presumably) a 3.5 coupe, $30,000 spent on the conversion/restoration. No estimate. ------ SOLD for $50,600. We always lament the loss of a perfectly good 3.5 coupe to create an often crudely converted 3.5 Convertible. $50k buys a 'best of breed' sunroof, floor shift 3.5 coupe. We'd rather have the coupe. It's fair money however for this conversion if it was reasonably well performed.

Now on correct restored stamped steel wheels and tall 75 series tires, our 250SE coupe has every system attended to. Bumpers have gone to the chrome shop and external bright work is coming off in preparation for color sanding. The first round of improvements soaked up over $12k. It's only the beginning...

With the crudely installed US 5mph bumpers removed - the front bumper shocks had to be cut off with a disc grinder - our icon gold SLC is coming along. This is the 389th example of a total production run of 2,769 units. Alloy hood and deck lid combined with the (then) brand new 240hp aluminum V-8 transformed the standard SLC into a lightweight 140 mph Autobahn stormer. EPA and DOT compliance issues prevented the cars from coming to the US. These 5.0 liter SLCs can be distinguished by the grey lower panels and discrete tail spoiler.

We're learning about the Euro SLCs. It looks like the lower perimeter of the unit body was also painted grey. This can be seen behind the US style lower valance panels. The Euro (and 1972/1973 US) valance panels bolted directly to the bottom of the slim chrome bumpers. The voids left by the bumpers will be covered by specially fabricated covers which we'll also paint the correct grey. Note low deck lid spoiler.

Established classics such as the Pagoda range will be comprehensively restored at Brabus Classic. Prices will be massive, however, and with the current dollar/euro relationship we don't expect many of their cars appearing in the United States.

Special 116s series cars such as this 6.9 will be offered at Brabus Classics. The youngtimer awareness continues to expand among not only enthusiasts but tuners and restoration shops as well. Early Euro 6.9s are approaching 35+ years old. They are certainly milestone cars.

Mercedes Classic declared the 126 SEC range a young classic earlier this year. Are they now worth restoring? This Brabus Classics client certainly thinks so.

1971 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet. Fully restored by Brabus Classic. As new (or better?): Export Price - 250,420 Euros ($353,000 @ 4-20-11 exchange rate.)

19?? 280SL, Fully restored by Brabus Classics: 98,600 Euros ($139,026 @ 4-20-11 exchange rate)

19?? 380SL, 558 miles (from new or on restoration): 57,058 Euros ($80,451 @ 4-20-11 exchange)

Opulence at its '60s finest: this 300SE Cabriolet interior typified the coachbuilt ethos Mercedes-Benz adopted for the 111/112 two-doors. Note the radio blank-off plate with '300SE' insignia.

14" wheels arrived with the 250SE two-doors in 1967. This Mid Blau coupe is likely an end-of-series 3.5 V-8 Coupe.

The 111/112 Cabriolets offered luxurious open touring for 4 although rear seat passenger room was limited. This late series 111 Cabriolet offers a good look at the end-of-series 'low grill' nose design.

Lot #121: 1970 280SL Horizon Blue w/Midnight Blue two-tone. "This SL boasts a limited ownership record of only three caretakers, each of whom pampered the car and used it sparingly. The roadster is finished with a high quality re-spray in Powder Blue... It also has its convertible soft top and original brightwork. The engine bay of this attractive SL has been detailed... reupholstered blue MB tex seats and matching carpets... black door panels and dash trim that are believed to be original... automatic transmission, air-conditioning, AM/FM radio and bumper guards... toolkit and owner’s manuals.. well-preserved and unharmed example of this modern classic." SOLD for $49,500. Hmm, while the images looked fairly encouraging, the engine bay shot reveals black inner aprons (a definite no-no ) and a fairly messy right front fender edge. After chatting with my spies I'm told the hood/front fenders and nose of this car had been crudely replaced. So, we have another example of a sub-standard Pagoda bringing $50k. And the brochure description certainly did not help things by noting it to be "unharmed" and "an example that has never been restored, it is remarkably preserved." These comments were absolute nonsense. I'll note this sale as overpriced by $20k or 40%. Or, as Keith Martin of SCM says, "well sold." Indeed.

Lot #55: 2008 Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster, 575 miles, Silver/Red. SOLD $264,000. Not a bad buy here. Have SLRs stopped depreciating? Not quite, but they are quite likely reaching a short term bottom. This car had a suggested list price new of just under $500k although there were massive cash incentives from Mercedes-Benz to dealers in 2008. At $264k, this SLR sale represents an excellent supercar value.

Lot #163: 1960 300SL Roadster, Fire Engine Red/Tan, Chassis No. 198.042.10.002610, both tops, luggage. "This well-sorted SL has experienced a pampered life and remains in very presentable condition inside and out... awarded Best in Class at the Louisville Concours at Churchill Downs, Kentucky, in 2008... it has never had a complete or ground-up restoration, but has been refurbished as needed and always kept in healthy, running order..." SOLD for $627,000.

Lot #164: 1967 300SE Cabriolet White Grey/Green, 1 of 5 five-speed manual gearbox 300SE's on the planet. "... light gray over a rich, light-olive green leather... AM/FM Becker Europa radio, optional power windows, single seats, left and right rearview mirrors, a cream fabric top, 4.08:1 limited-slip axle and the highly desirable five-speed ZF manual transmission... One of only five 300 SE models produced with this option, it is the only one known to have been delivered to the US... and the very rare example presented here is in turn-key condition thanks to a thorough mechanical reconditioning by McCay’s Boston Sportscar Company last summer." SOLD for $112,750. While this is massive money for a 112 Cabriolet - well into 'driver' 3.5 cabriolet territory - it's the only 112 cabriolet in the US with a five-speed. It was reported to be presented in lovely order although not fully restored. Presuming the complicated M189 series engine is healthy and leak free and the air suspension behaves properly, I'd consider this cabriolet fairly bought.

Lot #25: 1956 300Sc Roadster Chassis No. 188.015.5500030 Silver Blue Metallic/Red leather. "The consignor of this magnificent Sc, a noted authority on early post-war Mercedes-Benz... a concours level restoration. In fact, Walter Quitt, who has rebuilt literally dozens of 300 Sc drivelines, had already overhauled the engine and transmission. The body and chrome, as well as the differential and brakes, were restored by the highly respected Rudi & Co. of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The trunk of this handsome Sc is outfitted with dual spare wheels and fitted with 300 Sc Roadster-only luggage... Ken Nemanic, who has trimmed no fewer than seven Pebble Beach Best of Show-winning entries, upholstered the interior and restored the folding top using the proper plastic rear window with the factory- correct markings. The restoration was completed in late 2008 in time for the Sc to make its debut at the Mercedes-Benz Starfest, held in San Francisco that year. The car was awarded Best in Show at that event and has since competed at the Palo Alto, Hillsborough and Marin-Sonoma concours taking Best in Class honors each time. In June 2010, this gleaming Roadster was again shown at Palo Alto where it received the Meguiar’s Best Exterior Finish award." SOLD for $660,000. The buyer can take great comfort knowing this Sc was restored under the watchful eye of a particularly knowledgeable owner using the best materials and vendors. I purchased this seller's 1952 300S coupe a few years ago. He's a serious student of this series of Mercedes. This roadster was casually offered to me early 2010 for substantially more than what was realized here. The new owner has a fully sorted Sc roadster that is ready for any tour and is a certain concours winner. I'd say this buyer made quite a nice purchase.

Lot #19 1956 300SL Chassis No. 198.040.6500037. Silver Blue metallic/Blue leather. "According to factory records, this Gullwing was suitably equipped for export to the US... light blue metallic (DB 353) over complementary blue leather upholstery... it appears as though this Gullwing was intended for high-speed road use or possibly even some competition... this car was desirably optioned with Rudge knock-off wheels and the high-performance sport engine. The competition-tuned power plant featured a number of upgrades, including a high-lift NSL camshaft and a Bosch R3 fuel-injection pump that extracted approximately 240 bhp – a good deal more than the standard SL engine." Throughout four and a half decades in his care, various cosmetic and mechanical aspects were addressed; however, the well-built Mercedes- Benz never warranted a complete, ground-up restoration. Even today, it is best described as a carefully maintained example that has been extremely well-kept and refurbished... thanks to decades of fastidious care, it remains in outstanding overall condition." SOLD for $858,000.

Lot #126 1962 300SL Chassis No. 198.042.10.003020. "Finished in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with a black soft top, the US- specification car... Becker AM/FM radio, a black hardtop and Continental whitewall tires... disc brakes with the rugged cast-iron engine... The SL was driven sparingly during its first few years before being retired from use with just over 7,000 miles on the odometer. Evidence of its last use on the road is a Pennsylvania registration sticker that expired on January 31, 1970. In recent months, the respected restoration firm returned this SL to running order without disturbing the impressive originality of the engine bay. Throughout the interior and exterior, this Roadster wears the unmistakable signs of an untouched “time-warp” example." SOLD for $951,500. One of the long hidden C. Jewett Henry SLs. Wisely presented in essentially "as-found" cosmetic condition, this disc brake, cast iron block roadster represents the Holy Grail for any thoughtful 198 series Mercedes-Benz enthusiast. The interest in un-restored "survivors" of any make continues to grow and this roadster is about as good as it will get within the realm of fully documented untouched original 300SLs. As such it was rewarded with a staggering end price. I'm told Gooding had to work the room surprisingly hard to move the bidding out of the $600k range. Mr. Henry's other roadster, an 11k mile ivory/red 1963 sold quietly last year to one of our newsletter subscribers for similar money. The red car's price eclipses that of the 7652 mile disc brake, alloy block example sold August 2009 by a whopping $147,000. I'd peg this sale as market correct: Where will you find the next such example?

1965 220SE Cabriolet, Ivory/Tan Chassis No. 11102312082595. "This car is a final year 220SE. With Bosch mechanical fuel injection, disc brakes, power steering and automatic transmission... Prior to its acquisition by the Jacobs Collection, this car had been owned by one family for the past 30 years and maintained to the highest standards... owner’s manual and service books and records show the engine was rebuilt, with other parts replaced as needed... #716 (Grey Beige)." SOLD for $66,000. We've seen this car offered most recently by the Blackhawk Collection in California. While this is massive money - nice 1968-1969 280SE Cab territory - for a 220SE cabriolet, my sources note that it was spectacular in every respect. While RM notes "716 Grey Beige," I see 670 light ivory. At this price level, I'd skip the 13" wheels, rear drum brakes and the paltry 120hp and opt for a nice 250SE or 280SE cabriolet. In this case superb condition ruled the day and the early 111 cabriolets certainly offer some additional charm over the later editions.

Lot #278 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet Chassis No. 12803010003645. "This beautifully restored 220SE Cabriolet from 1960 is a late-production W128, which has been driven very sparingly and shows less than 88,000 miles... near perfect, show-quality condition throughout. The metallic green exterior finish is virtually devoid of cosmetic imperfections, and the car presents very nicely with excellent panel fit and gaps, a show-quality undercarriage, a beautifully trimmed interior with cream-colored leather upholstery with green piping, green carpeting and a clean, correct and properly detailed engine bay. The grey-lined Haartz cloth convertible top is well-fitted, showing only a few cosmetic imperfections... stainless-steel exhaust system... Becker Mexico radio, a working electric clock, and wide whitewall tires... jack and a spare tire, presented virtually brand new and commensurate with the rest of the car. Most recently, the car was mechanically sorted by RM Auto Restoration... original owner’s manual and original books in their correct plastic pouch." SOLD for $165,000. A good dealer client of MercedesHeritage just paid $140k for a similar car in silver/blue. The seller received $145k ($165k - buyer's and seller's 10% fees) here. My spies confirm RMs glowing catalog assessment. Fairly bought. However, the seller could have made one phone call to the right dealer and received about the same money, particularly after deducting shipping and entry costs from his/her net proceeds.

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Chassis No. 19804210002592. "Fresh meticulous restoration - Proven on tour in the 2009 Colorado Grand." " In single ownership from the early 1960s into the 21st century... regularly maintained by marque specialists. In 1998-99, a previous owner had Hyannis Restorations in Massachusetts conduct a comprehensive restoration. This involved stripping to bare metal and refinishing in white, restoring all brightwork and installing a red leather interior with matching carpets. The current owner acquired the car in 2004 and entrusted it to the award-winning restoration center of Symbolic Motor Car Company in San Diego, California. It emerged with classic silver paint, set off with blackwall tires and European-style headlamps... All the mechanical systems, brakes and suspension were rebuilt... new red leather interior was installed by Hjeltness Restoration of Escondido, California, respected 300SL specialists. With new tires and a hot camshaft, the car was prepared for the Colorado Grand in 2009, a week-long invitational classic rally through the scenic Rocky Mountains. During the event it ran flawlessly, overcoming all 300SL challengers." SOLD for $572,000. Based on the catalog, this seems a well bought roadster that has been sorted for immediate tour and event use. While we never like color changes, the predictable change to silver with red leather is hard to beat.

1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe White/Red Chassis No. 1980404500049. "Of particular note, the red leather interior of the 300SL is completely original... factory-correct white exterior finish represents an older repaint revealing some signs of aging. Mechanically, the 300SL is factory correct in specification with the exception of upgrades under Mr. Aoki’s ownership, including a four-wheel disc brake conversion in the style of the Mercedes-Benz 600, with dual-caliper units up front... stainless-steel fuel tank... comprehensive and recent mechanical re-commissioning under the current owner by Kevin Kay Restorations... new Koni shock absorbers and a stainless-steel exhaust system. In addition, the Bosch mechanical fuel-injection system was inspected and tuned." SOLD for $450,000. While RM notes the car sold "Confidential," my sources note the car hammered at $450,000 which would result in RM reporting a "sold" price of $495,000. This is a little stiff for a car fitted with Mercedes 600 brakes (evidently including the 600's two caliper per front disc arrangement). Retrofitting to the correct system will be expensive. Backing the numbers up, we estimate the seller walked away with about $405k. A phone call to me would have put the seller a little ahead of that figure without the aggravation of entry fees, transportation and the auction hoopla. The Auction environment may have worked against this particular Gullwing seller. However, that same environment can also work for sellers as the example below illustrates...

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe Anthracite Grey/Red leather Chassis No. 1980405500601. "... a comprehensive, professional restoration conducted to the highest standards... properly maintained and cared for, although rarely, if ever, seeing road use. The graphite grey paint and brightwork appear to be outstanding... The interior is likewise pristine and as-new, upholstered in red leather. The odometer shows less than 29,000 kilometers. The engine bay is commensurate with the balance of the car – show quality through and through. Notable features on this spectacular 300SL include a highly desirable set of Rudge wheels and a matching set of fitted luggage." SOLD for $1,375,000. No, that's not a typo, the buyer (a gentleman from Japan we're told) transferred almost $1.4 million dollars to RM's coffers to secure this Gullwing. This is what NASA would refer to as an "anomaly" or what statisticians refer to as an "outlier." While the car presented itself in superb (if not overly shiny) fashion, there was nothing present to suggest the price paid here or for that matter even $900,000. It defies logic. So we can likely point the finger toward at least two over capitalized, undereducated bidders. It's the auction house dream scenario and it catapulted this stunning Gullwing into uncharted territory for a steel car. This sale is also a lesson in color/trim appeal. Would this car have made the same money if it was still in its original livery of white/blue? Absolutely not. Well sold would not even begin to describe this sale. Congratulations to RM for placing a superb Gullwing under the noses of two of the most optimistic (naïve?) bidders on the planet.

Lot #9111 1986 560SL Arctic White/Gray WDBBA48D4GA037771 "89K miles and runs and drives extremely well. It is white with a black convertible top, gray interior and includes the white hard top with a stand and cover. The interior is in excellent condition with wood inserts that look close to new. This is a garage kept vehicle. The mechanicals are in very good condition with almost new shocks, upper & lower control arm bushings, good fluids and sub frame and motor mounts that are a few years old. Paint is in very good condition. The convertible top is in very good condition with no rips or tears, however, the windows are cloudy. The air conditioning works as it should and blows ice-cold. The cruise control works as do all the accessories." SOLD for $10,120. The images provided reveal a tidy and clean 560SL. If the ABS and SRS systems are in order and there are minimal oil leaks, this 560 seems a good value.

Lot #9129 ID# 10704412020567 "This 1974 Mercedes-Benz 450SL has a new top and two hard tops. It also has new tires, brakes, and master cylinder. It was recently repainted to a high professional standard. It was recently tuned-up with many new air conditioning parts installed. It has a CD player, power windows, brakes and steering. It is in great shape inside and out and this stylish 450SL drives like a brand new Mercedes." SOLD for $8,250. We certainly can't complain about this deal. With refurbished AC, 560SL style wheels and a CD player the new owner has acquired a boulevard cruiser for a pittance. Well bought.

Lot #9112 ID# WDBFA76E3RF102906 Arctic White/Blue "This 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL600 is a very nice and clean car that runs and drives extremely well... less than 37k miles with no known issues or problems. All the features work properly. The tires have a few thousand miles on them... The lower body panels and bumpers were painted to match body color. The stereo is a new Alpine unit with built in satellite with controls the CD changer in the trunk. It is iPod compatible with remote control... chrome wheels and pop up cup holders in the console. Always garaged and it currently resides in a climate controlled facility. It does not have the hard top." SOLD for $14,250. I like the R129 series V12s but Mercedes mechanics do not. A hard top could be found for less $500 and repainted/dyed to match for another $700. This seems a proper deal with a few very big ifs: IF the engine wiring harness is recent and IF there are no substantial oil leaks and IF the self-leveling suspension is in order the new owner has acquired a silky smooth and muscular cruiser at a fair price.

Lot #9176 ID#WDBFA76E7RF086452 "This 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL600 V12 Roadster has always been serviced at a Mercedes-Benz dealer... complete books and records... finished in red with a black black leather interior. It is equipped with an extensive list of options including two tops. It is a fully loaded car. As close to perfect as you can get. It is in new car condition, has been garage kept and never driven in rain. There are 40K miles on the V/12 6-liter, 389 HP engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission" SOLD for $22,000. I see 2000 SL500 base wheels which are particularly bland. The originals actually look better. This Imperial Red V12 impressed based on its description and generated a full $7,500 more than the 37k mile white SL600 above. The color and trim combination is more compelling but $22k buys a 2000 or later SL600 in California. This was an expensive SL although in fabulous order.

Lot #9496 ID#1980405500791 1955 300SL Body-off restored in 2006 by Mark Passarelli. Mechanicals done by Bill Richardson. Retrofitted with AC and only 500 miles since the restoration. Fitted with Passarelli luggage and rudge wheels but no bumper overriders. SOLD for $704,000. Both Mark Passarelli and Bill Richardson are long time Gullwing specialists and this car has all the right ingredients although there is no mention of belly pans. While the saddle leather is a less harmonious interior choice than green or crème, this is a Gullwing to be proud of. Barring any substantial panel fit issues, I'd consider this car fairly bought.

Lot #7241 ID#11304412005348 1969 280SL in 268 Green/Cognac leather, Automatic/AC, Full cosmetic restoration at one time, detailed engine bay, no bumper guards: SOLD for $33,275. I see an attractive, consistent appearing 280SL. And I think I can see the important spot welds securing each front fender to the engine bay inner aprons. Presuming all the work was performed to accepted professional standards and suitable attention was paid to the mechanicals and no structural horrors, I'd say this Pagoda was on the cheap side. Well bought.

Lot #7006 ID#11102712000709 1971 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet Middle Blue Metallic/Tan. Noted as restored and certainly looking the part, this 3.5 looks superb. It was obviously fully disassembled and reflects enormous money spent. SOLD for $170,500. I don't see any correct engine bay decals and some moderate bleaching of the upper interior wood - minor issues. If the massive cosmetic preparation was supported with commensurate mechanical freshening, I see a fair deal here and substantial 3.5 Cabriolet money in today's environment.

Lot #7061 ID#A1210401001103 1961 190SL White/Black There is no substantial information in the description other than "restored" engine and body: SOLD for $31,900. The missing rocker chrome trim and missing rear reflectors definitely erode any confidence that the restoration was done by a knowledgeable specialist. It's a non-soft top car as per the VIN prefix and I don't see any trace of a soft top. And the trunk lock has yet to be fitted. I have a feeling a closer look at this car would reveal more needs. It seems to be the typical poorly done 190SL that will be ignored by a serious 190SL buyer. For his/her $32k, the new owner will get the 190SL look but will face a barrage of complaints at any 190SL meet.

Lot #7148 ID#11102412004212 1970 280SE Coupe Silver/Blue sunroof, floor shift automatic US model, AC, Noted as "restored" SOLD for $27,500. This is a fundamentally desirable car. Any "low grille" 111 coupe with a sunroof and console automatic will generate interest. The images provided support the restoration claim and the undercarriage looks spotless with many new parts (calipers etc) visible. It's fitted with the correct hydro-compensator "5th" spring and the engine bay is very tidy. If it performs as well as it looks, I'd say the car was a good value.

Lot #6480 ID#10704412035659 1977 450SL Astral Silver/Black, aftermarket 16" alloys, 560SL wood, no useful information in the description: SOLD for $8,800. Nothing to quibble about here. If the car drives well and the timing chain isn't ready to fail and 70% of the climate controls function, the buyer has a cheap and attractive summer cruiser.

Lot #9086 ID#180010109503564 1957 220S Red/Tan. No useful information in the description other than "restored in the Philippines." SOLD for $4,400. At this price, if the car can be driven safely, I'd call this a fair deal. Who cars if all the interior materials are incorrect and there will be some surprisingly clever but laughable modifications. The new owner will have people surrounding this dayglow red ponton sedan whenever he/she parks it.

Lot #9425 ID#250SE10086122 1967 250SE Coupe Silver/Blue 4 spd manual, sunroof, $23k spent on parts(!) during the previous owner's reconditioning. SOLD for $15,950. Missing rr wheel trim ring, unpainted wheel caps, missing data plate on core support, obvious mis-matched spot paint repairs right front fender/door area. If the $23k was well spent on a largely rust and collision free coupe, I see a decent value here. The manual gearbox is somewhat rare in any 111 coupe and adds some cache. Fair money for a sunroof 250SE coupe.

Lot #9538 ID#WDBFA67E6SF112313 1995 SL500 Pearl(?) Black/Black 87k miles, no accidents, no particularly useful information in the description: SOLD for $12,650. $12.6k for a reasonably sorted early R120 SL? Not too bad. We like all the R129s as they are quick and quite all around usable SLs. And cheap! But they are very complicated and just a few significant maladies can generate jaw-dropping repairs. A fair value here if the usual maladies (engine harness, hydraulic top apparatus, climate controls) are in order.

Lot #1581 ID#WDBFA76F3XF173884 1999 SL600 Renntech Black/Red. " Rare collectible 7.4L V12, 48-valve, 575hp. RENNtech monster... less than 16,000 original miles. Collector owned.. no dings, dents or scratches. Original paint... based on a 1999 SL600 V12... RENNtech conversion... 452cid 7.4L engine with 575hp and 600ft/lbs of torque... 200mph... featured in Car and Driver... 0-150mph-0 in 28 seconds... carbon fiber interior and custom two tone red and black leather interior... upgraded transmission, suspension and brakes... recent service record... serviced by RENNtech in the past... no mechanical issues." SOLD for $47,300. What a brute! With 575hp, it seems this hot rod R129 would be able to see of any later SL55 in drag race. Massively expensive when new the car's selling price reflects an attractive relative value. But, what does $47k buy today in a later SL? It buys a 2005 SL65 with 20k miles - 604hp and a car that sold new for about $194k. While this Renntech SL600 will be a blast to drive and the Car and Driver article, it will does not offer the driving dynamics (and more contemporary appearance) of a factory SL65. I see a wonderful car but too much money in my eyes.

Lot #1527 ID#WDBBA45A0CB018200 1982 380SL Blue/Blue. "30,000 original miles. Rare China Blue two tone. All original unrestored true time piece. All updates completed. This is the last year of the very desirable 380SL. China Blue and Marine Blue with blue leather interior and a blue softtop. A rare find and an absolutely stunning color combination." SOLD for $36,300. Where are these buyers when I need them? I gave away a 1980 450SL w/20k miles last year for $15k. The aftermarket wheels must go but the factory two-tone is quite rare. What does $36k buy in the 107 SL arena? How about a spotless and correct 1989 560SL with 9k miles on the clock! This buyer vastly overpaid for the least admired 107 series SL. Does "all updates completed" mean the later double width timing chain system has been retrofitted? If not, this buyer will be spending another $3k. I have a feeling this seller purchased drinks for anyone at the auction within 100 feet of him.

Lot #622.1 ID#WDBFA68F52F203483 2002 SL500 Silver Arrow Edition. "... 2002 exclusive Silver Arrow package to commemorate the final year of the much loved R129 body style... MSRP of $87k... exclusively trimmed two-tone interior, dark stained wood interior trim, and engine-turned metal interior accents and additional aluminum interior and exterior pieces, heated seats, xenon headlamps, two-piece 18-inch wheels, the AMG sport aero package, and Silver Arrow badging... complete owners manuals in their original leather folio... 71-point inspection from the Park Place Service Center." SOLD for $20,900. No mileage is noted so based on the selling price; we'll assume lowish miles, hopefully less than 30k. The Silver Arrows are a mixed bag featuring lovely wheels and metallic interior trim touches with the garish two-tone leather and the glittery ultra-metallic paint. The paint finish recalls that of a drum set. With only 1,450 V8 cars built, this car is somewhat rare which helps values. All in all, I'd say a fair price. If this was a 70k mile example, it was too much.

Lot #386 ID#WDBFA63FXVF153207 1997 SL320 40th anniversary edition. "To commemorate Mercedes 40 year anniversary of their roadster, Mercedes built 250 limited 320SL's in a one time only Quartz Blue color with matching Royal Maple interior trim... all options available included. The 250 roadsters were delivered one per dealer... always been garaged and covered since new. No damage... serviced by the book. 49,150 actual miles."SOLD for $33,000. Wow! Yes, Mercedes only built 250 examples but it's a six cylinder and the interior wood color causes most people to gasp. This is the last year of the 3.2 liter R129 SL in the US. We've sold 2002 V12 SL600 Silver Arrows for about the same money and only 100 of these were constructed! This sale represented massive money. I'm now convinced to take my entire inventory to Barrett Jackson next year.

Lot #360 ID#WDB1290761F172426 "Rare and desirable euro model with 12 cylinder engine and 6,815 original miles... automatic softtop and removable hardtop, 5-speed automatic, electric roll bar, AMG wheels, leather interior, climate control, CD player, wind deflector, fuel injected, 389hp, 12 cylinder engine, cruise control, electric tilt wheel, remote locks, power windows, Euro side lamp markers, power disc brakes, original tool kit, original first aid kit, original owners manual and books." SOLD for $29,150. A Euro model? That's quite unusual. If it was imported as a new car the mileage may be suspect due the DOT requirement of 7,500 miles before importation. If it came in as a used car later, the odometer was changed to US specs. Either way, Euro cars always have a slight cloud over the mileage. I suppose a true 6,800 miles SL600 becomes a $30k car with the usual V-12 caveats.

Lot #19.1 ID#WDBFA67E3RF088336 1994 SL500 Smoke Silver/Creme. "A rare color of Desert Sand/Palomino interior. You can pick the hardtop or the softtop. One will always be in style. This well maintained automobile has never been damaged. Fresh tires, new battery, factory alloy wheels, telephone and CD changer. All maintenance records from new are available with car as well as the hardtop." SOLD for $19,250. I must have missed a massive market surge for R129 SLs. In CA this car brings $11k. No miles are mentioned so we'll assume less than 100k on the clock. Based on my experience buying R129 SLs from private parties, all of them require a further $2k-$4k to sort out. Big money here and well sold.

Lot #1514.1 ID#WDBBA45A5EA001921 1984 380SL "Metallic green original paint. Good condition. Body in great shape. Leather interior. New softtop. Hardtop with rack. Looks great. Run beautifully. 121,500 original miles." SOLD for $11,000. I suppose if this 380SL is well sorted this was fair money. The color(Blue Green)/trim combination helped hear.

1969 Mercedes 280SL Red/Tan leather lot #377 Chassis No. 11304412011319: Was originally the lovely 834 Moss Green, replacement hood, door/deck lid hinge bolts unpainted, replacement firewall pad, superb paint depth and gloss, nice panel fit, weathered older restored leather interior, replacement rear body 'light' panel, trunk floor rust holes patched, incorrect tools, sold in 1990 for $48.5k. SOLD for $63,250. A typical 280SL auction scenario: cosmetics that fairly glowed and an interior that was consistent and attractive combined with collision repairs only the savvy SL buyer would detect. The discerning 'Pagoda' buyer would ignore this car. However, there are many buyers who simply want an attractive 280SL for Sunday cruises and have no interest in making their purchase a research project. Unmolested 280Sls are very difficult to find today so this car was a convenient but 20%+ overpriced acquisition for the new owner. We can offer an untouched, fully sorted 1970 280SL for about $10k less, not as shiny and bright, but a spectacular, virtually unobtainable 'survivor' example.

1961 Mercedes 300SL Silver/Blue Lot #374 Chassis No. 19804210002869: Polished wheels, below average door fit, fitted with an alternator, Hjeltness installed AC, bulging door panels, poor headlight bezel fit, lightly pitted chrome, loose soft top, removable center console containing modern radio, flexible household tubing behind one jack point opening - a driver: SOLD for $522,000. Contrary to the catalogue's note of the car being resprayed in 'factory-original silver,' our database shows this car to have been originally 534 red and subsequently ivory before the current silver respray. Were this car not fitted with disc brakes, I'd say $522k was steep for a roadster with these cosmetic shortcomings. Factory disc brakes are a great equalizer and add about $50k to a roadster's value. Only 478 roadsters were so equipped. I suppose if the car performs as the catalogue suggests, it was fairly bought.

1957 300SL Red/Cognac lot #319 Chassis No. 1980427500131: Tidy street driven engine bay, poor headlight bezel fit, completely incorrect latter '60s era cognac leather interior, missing door sill trim, good paint depth and gloss, very poor fuel filler door fit, generally pitted chrome, overspray RF wheel, - a driver with an incorrect interior. SOLD for $440,000. The thin catalogue description went far to establish this car's value. Originally a 534 red car with black interior. I see possibilities, however, after a fresh black interior and minor fit and finish improvements. At a $82k below the silver car above, I'd say the car was fairly priced.

1958 190SL Silver/Red lot #379 Chassis No. 1210408501571: Originally a 180 Silver car, rust blisters left fender top, poor bumper alignment, frozen heater valves, hood binds on the nose, inconsistent chrome, very poor panel fit, incorrect floor patch panels, a great color combination, unrestored hard top provided and shipped at the buyer's expense. SOLD for $77,000: According to the catalogue this 190SL was 'beautifully restored' and with '100 miles since restoration.' This was a lot of rubbish and potentially misled the buyer. Based on the restoration photo journal proudly displayed on the front seat, the donor car was extremely rusty and required massive metal sectioning and rust repair. This was photographic history better left at home. The work described was poorly done and I noted the car '87% completed.' The buyer will have a heart attack if he/she finds out Gooding's spectacular ivory 190SL sold for just $8,800 more. This silver car will require this amount and more to be considered finished. Occasionally a car will slip by an auction management's scrutiny and this was certainly one of those situations. The description and the quality of the car simply did not remotely coincide. I'd say the buyer overpaid by about 40%. This car was another reminder to be your own advocate when buying at auction. If you can't quickly evaluate the car you are interested in, find someone who can.

1952 300 Cabriolet D Black/Red Lot #313 Chassis No. 1860140112052: An older restoration (20 years ago), nice paint depth and gloss, good street level chrome, LR door binds, re-trimmed interior with a comfortable patina, tidy undercarriage, stainless steel exhaust, clean engine bay, Missouri inspection sticker, fully trimmed trunk with incorrect velour, missing air cleaner covers: SOLD for $115,500. This convertible sedan presented itself fairly well and with only 591 300/300b convertibles constructed, you will never have a wide selection available. The loose ends here are fairly easy to correct and the result will be an enjoyable cruiser for about $125k - A fair deal on both sides.

1955 300SL Red/Tan Lot #320 Chassis No. 5500712: Originally 180 silver with 333 blue leather, delivered new to Lisbon Portugal, luggage, interior/luggage showing a nice comfortable patina of age, gas pedal wired to the throttle linkage(!), excellent paint depth and gloss, period Talbot mirrors, incorrect padded head/door liner material, Becker LeMans radio, matching engine #5500739, full belly pans, average panel fit, Oklahoma inspection sticker from 1979. SOLD for $550,000. I liked this Gullwing and, like the catalogue, felt the some of the interior could be nicely preserved and original. The luggage looked to be original. Our database proved otherwise. It still bewilders me why so many of these - and so many other classic Mercedes - are color changed to red. To my eyes, red has never flattered a Gullwing. However, this was a nicely equipped car that presented itself well and if it performs as the catalogue suggests was fairly bought.

LOt #371: 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Cabriolet Chassis 130913: Restored in Indiana circa 2005 and still looking rather crisp, lovely paint and coachwork, superb chrome, undercarriage shows evidence of use and not concours ready, gorgeous interior and wood. SOLD for $913,000. We turned to our friend and prewar Mercedes expert Thomas Taffet for his comments on this sale. He felt the unusual coachwork betrayed any open 540K's profile, regardless of Cab A/B/C configuration. Hiding the 540K's V shaped radiator shell was quite a sin in Taffet's opinion and mutes what should be one of the 540K's most dramatic styling features. A point well taken because upon casually approaching this car one could confuse it for a LeBaron bodied Packard of the same era. Taffet, the purist, recons the $913k paid was massive money for car in a coachwork style not befitting one of the 419 540K chassis constructed.

1971 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet 728 Beige Grey Metallic/Brown leather lot #119 Chassis No. 11102712000808. New front seat trim against attractive and largely original remaining leather, mis-aligned hood safety latch damaged preventing the hood from closing, an attractive and rare exterior color, new carpet, original door panels and dash pads, recent top and headliner, nice trunk floor, good panel fit, good street quality chrome, minor bumper misalignment, 52,253 miles showing, column automatic, clean undercarriage, original hydro compensator replaced with coil spring: SOLD for $165,000. I was offered this car twelve months ago 90% finished for about $125k. Scott Grundfor started this car and Jurgen Klockemann finished it. The misc loose ends could be solved for $5k which puts the buyer at $170k. The auction was the winner here skimming $30k via the buyer's/seller's fees. This was a $135k 3.5 Cabriolet. There are dozens of these cars on the market today - 11 available on MercedesHeritage.com alone - and $165k should buy a more consistent car, either a superb original or a fairly recently restored car. Well sold although Klockemann did not benefit much from the total price realized.

1961 300SL White Grey/Green leather lot #116 Chassis No. 198.042.10002637: Originally 423 tobacco brown with saddle leather, noted as the only 300SL sold in Alaska, not much to be said regarding condition beyond fresh from a three year Rudi Koniczek restoration of a 47k mile car. Spectacular in every respect, European headlamps, fabulous non-original color/trim combination, factory hard top a slightly different shade of white gray, non-numbered alloy replacement long block, luggage, manuals, a very late drum brake car. SOLD for $632,500. The price is fairly easy to figure out. Rudi charges about $300k to restore a roadster. A dead but complete roadster is $275k-$325k. Do the math and you get to the low $600k range for a finished car. Properly bought and sold.

1956 190SL Ivory/Tan lot #153 Engine No. 121.921.6502711: Undated restoration by Rich Spillane and still looking gorgeous, yellow period CA license plates, period Judson supercharger with Judson insignia on rear body panel, Original carbs supplied, excellent panel fit, very clean undercarriage although in satin black, spotless engine bay, originally 534 red, original factory hard top supplied and noted 'completely original' and 'matches the rest of the car,' a lovely 190SL. SOLD for $85,800. Despite some errors in the description - I noted a paint code number 534 (fire engine red) on the firewall tag which does not support the claim of 'Factory Color Combination' - this was a superb 190SL. The color change is a moot point as the car presented itself so well in Ivory. The car just glowed in Gooding's tent. The buyer will be well advised to tread lightly on the throttle as the supercharger will stress the 190SL's feeble bottom end. $80k and up is what it takes to buy a highly prepared 190SL and I call this a fair deal for both buyer and seller.

2008 SLR Convertible lot #21 Galaxite Black Metallic/Red leather Chassis No. WDDAK76F08M001713: One CA owner car, recently serviced, essentially a new SLR Roadster: SOLD for $253,000. The last new 2008 SLR sold by a local SF bay area dealer fetched $285k or so. These roadsters had a base MSRP of $465,350 so this car seems a good buy at a 45% discount from new. With the new $200k SLS Gullwing stealing every magazine cover, I'd call $253k top retail. SLR buyers have been very hard to find for some years. Well sold.

1955 300SL Gullwing Silver/Red leather lot #35 Chassis No. 198.040.5500533: Ex '50s Italian racing driver Umberto Maglioli, rudge wheels, Nardi steering wheel, average door fit, no bumper guards, no belly pans, fitted luggage, some micro blistering on the passenger door, no radio, driver's door drain slots filled, older high quality restoration by Thomas Taffet, recent $26k service, probable 72k miles. SOLD for $715,000. This Gullwing had all the ingredients; a glamorous original owner, custodianship by Lothar Motschenbacher, restoration by Thomas Taffet, rudge wheels, excellent color/trim combination and a recent technical preparation. This was fair money for a milestone Gullwing.

1937 540K Sport Cabriolet A lot #122 Chassis No. 154084: body off $400k restoration performed 1997-1999, freshened up by Scott Grundfor for Pebble Beach 2008, current owner enlisted Grundfor to remove the bulky convertible top mechanism and create a smooth tonneau fitted over the top aperture, spare tire well covered, paint and coachwork still essentially spotless, very tidy undercarriage, all parts to reverse the modifications included in the sale, superb chrome, a prewar icon albeit slightly modified. SOLD for $2,145,000. Again, we turn to Thomas Taffet for comments. Altering any 540K is a serious crime for Taffet. He knew this car's recent history well, noting after being restored in Germany, it sold for $1.1m at RM circa 2002. Taffet was horrified to see the 'ungainly' convertible top having been removed and replaced with a smooth tonneau. At $2.145m, he considers the car very well sold.

1928 S 26/180 Boattail Speedster lot #127 Chassis No. 35313: Highly unusual speedster coachwork by Murphy Coachbuilders in Pasadena, CA, 6.8 liter supercharged eight, seen in the film Sylvia Scarlett starring Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant, sold to Zeppo and Chico Marx, raced against Hollywood agent Phil Berg's stripped Duesenberg in the infamous Muroc dry lakes challenge, languished on a used car lot in Los Angeles in 1951 priced at $2,000, modified over the years before being returned to its Muroc race configuration, fabulous patina. SOLD for $3,740,000. My jaw dropped when I first saw this extraordinary car at the 2009 Marin Sonoma concours. The blend of '20s Mercedes-Benz technology and southern California Hot Rod design is captivating. Murphy created a Mercedes S Highboy. I doubt if many concours attendees that day understood this car. Displayed at Goodings sans its fenders and with its less than harmonious vertical windscreen folded down, the Marx S sat proudly atop a raised platform. Presented at auction uniformly weathered, the S is now fully functional with its gearbox recently rebuilt by Phil Reilly and company. This car's story is hard to eclipse: a piece of Hollywood lore, appearance in a golden era film, a rare Mercedes supercharged S, famous actor ownership history, largely original, one of one. Prewar Mercedes expert, Thomas Taffet, was not so excited about this tatty supercharged S and pegged its value closer to $1.5m. Citing ugly coachwork and distressed cosmetics, Taffet pointed me towards Bonham's SS Sports Tourer as a far more compelling latter '20s supercharged Mercedes. The buyer of the Marx car felt otherwise, however, and attached a further $2m+ in value for the car's extraordinarily unique history. I'll have to consider the Marx car very well sold.

1952 300 Sedan Bordeaux/Creme leather lot #630 Chassis # 00578/52: Noted as restored in 2000 and freshened up in 2006, obviously a body off restored sedan, immaculate paint and coachwork, excellent chrome, no bumper guards, lovely restored interior showing subtle patina of use, superb wood, no radio, very clean engine bay showing signs of light use, spotless undercarriage, tools and jack noted in catelogue description, a gorgeous early 300 sedan. SOLD for $60,840. With it's understated colors and generally sober lines, it was easy ignore this 300. A closer look revealed likely one of the nicest examples in the US. Restored to a level generally reserved for its 2 door brothers, this regal sedan would be a satisfying and supremely comfortable Mercedes Club tour and event car. You couldn't duplicate the car for $100k. Comprehensively restoring a 300 sedan is financial suicide. I would say well bought and applaud the individual who had the courage and funds to prepare a 300 to this level. Well done!

1968 600 SWB Tobacco Brown/Cognac, Black top lot #645 Chassis #10001212001196: 88k miles showing, not coded as a two-tone paint car, tidy engine bay, suspension sitting low when inspected 24 hours post sale, misc left front fender bolts missing, nice street level chrome, Colorado plates, interior partially dyed, generally dry burlwood, sun baked package panel, heavy hydraulic fluid leak right rear door window valve, nice panel fit and gaps, excellent paint depth and gloss, loose front bumper section, stainless steel exhaust, left side exhaust low and missing hangers, recent transmission/water pump rebuild and service. SOLD for $47,900. I feel any 600 that is not spot on technically and cosmetically should be rather inexpensive. Reconditioning costs for seemingly benign improvements are usually jaw-dropping. I've written those checks over the years. As I looked at this 600, I began to see a fundamentally sound car with promise. Sorting the low suspension and other misc. loose ends will absorb a further $20k putting the buyer's investment at close to $70k. He or she will be reasonably close to the car's retail value, perhaps $10k above. Not a bad buy if the 600 market continues on the same trajectory for the immediate future.

1961 300SL Light Blue/Tan lot #651 Chassis #198-042-10-002619: European headlamps, noted to have been returned to the factory in 1971 for restoration and restored again by Scott Restorations in 1989 with records of both restorations on hand, still looking very crisp, fitted luggage, no information in our database, excellent panel fit and shutlines, hardtop provided, very clean and correct engine bay, an eye-popping roadster. SOLD for $612,000 This car was likely a post block sale. When I arrived to inspect Saturday morning after the sale the car was being shown to an obviously interested buyer, hence I was not able to inspect more carefully. While finished in a generally low demand color, the car presented itself very nicely with the older restoration still looking sharp. We'll presume the light blue was correct to the car as most owners will never color change a car to this color. I'd say this was a fair deal if not slightly well sold due to the soft demand color.

1930 38/250 SS Sports Tourer lot #640 Chassis #36257: Delivered new April 11, 1930 to the UK, fabulous documented history, last owner from 1955, stored from middle '50s to middle '90s, recently re-commissioned and running and driving well, 7.1 liter supercharged straight eight, highly original and never fully restored, wonderful patina. SOLD for $2,537,000. Again we note comments by Thomas Taffet. He felt this car was a far more interesting proposition than the Marx 'S' sold by Gooding and reviewed earlier in this article. So interesting that Taffet was an interested potential buyer so we'll consider this car well bought.

Pat Matthews' glorious - and with only 53 constructed exceedingly rare - 300Sc Roadster was an early arrival.

Bruce Canepa (Canapa Design, Scotts Valley CA) can always be relied on to display a showstopper. His 1962 Black/Black Roadster featured some rare factory options: 6" wheels, 3.23 final drive ratio and high compression engine. Bruce noted the car produced 190hp at the rear wheels on the chassis dyno. Pathetic in today's world, 190hp is serious power for a roadster. Canepa was coy about the price, noting it was sold for north of $700k. Look at the razor sharp reflections in the door and front fenders - a result of precise metal preparation.

Jim Morris performed most of the restoration on his 1959 220S Convertible himself. 14" wheels - 220s were originally fitted with 13" wheels - aid drivability by effectively raising the final drive ratio.

Gerry Holzapple's understated 173 Grey 280SL is a blend of largely original interior and fresh chrome adorning bare metal resprayed coachwork

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A 280SL presented in a most unusual color/trim combination. Craig Hartman's Moss Green/Green full leather 280SL is gorgeous and correct. Green on Green! One of my favorites and a car I restored some years ago prior to selling to Craig.

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Who in their right mind would fully restore a 220SE sedan? Pat Matthews! He saved what is quite a rare ponton sedan, 1 of the 1,974 fuel injected examples. How many had sunroofs?. Probably less than 100. This sedan is indeed a rare car.

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Byron and Myra Brill's 1971 280SE 3.5 is finished in Midnight Blue(904) with Parchment leather, a rich and desirable combination. Proper 3.5 Cabriolets easily bring $100k+ today and deservedly so. A well sorted example is a comfortable, quick and eminently usable classic today.

Greg Hubit managed to snag this extraordinary low grille 280SE Cabriolet out from under the noses of a number of SF Bay area enthusiasts including this editor. It is also an original Moss Green/Green leather car - like Greg Hartman's 280SL a few cars above - and fitted with a green soft top. It showed only 16k miles(!) on the odometer when he purchased it a few years ago. It is certainly one of the lowest mileage, original 111 chassis convertibles in existence. I'm still depressed at missing this car.

The heavyweight of the Mercedes-Benz on display, Arturo Keller

Who in their right mind would fully restore a 220SE coupe? Pat Matthews! These cozy coupes were largely hand crafted by Mercedes-Benz and cost twice as much as the base six cylinder sedan, the 219. Pat's car is stunning in Midnight Blue with Grey leather.

Larry Brackett is a certified Mercedes nut having owned 60 or 70 examples over the decades. He's not interested in the classics, however, and just added a new SLS to share his garage with this SLR. According to Larry his new SLS is vastly more user-friendly than his SLR.

Larry Brackett's dilemma is what to drive on Sunday morning, the new SLS in the foreground or his SLR behind. What a dilemma!

Chuck and Sue Cortsen's cheery 1953 220 Cabriolet A is a prewar design carrying 170 styling cues. The faired in headlights tell us this is a post war 220.

Sigi Appelt's stately 1960 300d looks quite smart in Silver with acres of Red trim. Three liters and fuel injection provided a respectable 160hp for the ponderous "Adenauer." Only 3,077 were constructed.

300SLs were well represented. Rudge wheels complement this Silver/Red roadster nicely.

Susan Hoebich's 190SL was fitted with slightly(!) non-standard ostrich skin interior trim. The car is fitted with the large rear window hardtop introduced during the 1958 model year.

Event sponsor Academy of Art University provided their 540K Convertible B (4 passenger convertible w/rear quarter window) in recognition of Mercedes-Benz as the featured marque.

Lot #377: 1969 280SL. Purchased by the current owners in San Jose in 1990, it was used as a family car and enjoyed for a few years on the occasional weekend drive. It was put into dry storage a few years later and stayed there until 2009 when it was taken out and received several mechanical updates, including rebuilding of the fuel injection pump, fuel injectors, and fuel supply pump by Bosch of San Francisco. Additionally, the starter and the injection pump thermostat were rebuilt, and a new transmission filter kit was installed. All fluids, gaskets, seals and spark plugs were replaced along with the rear suspension trailing arm bushings. It also received a complete chassis lubrication, and the car was fitted with period Phoenix 14-inch tires with a ¾-inch whitewall.The sales estimate is $45k-$55k. Be sure to visit our SL Research Database to learn about this charming era of SLs before you bid.

Lot 379: This 1958 190 SL Roadster was carefully restored as originally delivered in a four-year process that was completed in May 2010. Bodywork included the removal and repair of all rusted body panels, followed by replacement of the original Glasurit Daimler Silver Grey paint with an identically matched PPG two-phase Metallic Silver finish. The car’s underside was refinished in an original 169 Grey. Atlanta’s R. Rabon furnished the red leather interior upholstery, as well as the new carpeting and convertible top, while Superior Chrome of Houston, Texas restored the grille, bumpers and brightwork. North Hollywood Speedometer restored all instruments, including the clock. This SL is also a no reserve lot with a catalogue estimate of $60k-$70k.

Lot #244: 1958 190SL. With an older, high quality, ground-up restoration by Robert Platz of Camden, New Jersey’s Precision Auto Works, this very fine example earned Grand National First Prize honors from the AACA in 1993. Finished in factory correct light green (“Perlmutter Gruen”), the 190SL continues to present beautifully throughout, including its dark green leather upholstery and engine bay, which are correct and clean in presentation. Features include an AM/FM pushbutton radio, translucent sun visors, matched luggage and a tool roll, as well as VDO instrumentation and a VDO electric clock. Catalogue estimate of $80k-$100k.

Lot #224: 1960 220SE Convertible. This beautifully restored 220SE Cabriolet has been driven very sparingly and remains in near perfect, virtual show-quality condition throughout. Virtually devoid of cosmetic imperfections, the car presents very nicely with a show-quality undercarriage, a beautifully trimmed interior and a properly detailed engine bay. Other items include a stainless-steel exhaust system, a desirable Becker Mexico radio, a properly fitted convertible top and a set of period-style wide whitewall tires. Estimate: $150k-$200k

Lot #313: 1952 300 Cabriolet D. This example was properly restored in Missouri by its current owner approximately twenty years ago. Receipts are available upon request providing evidence of the work completed. The restoration has endured the years very well, and the vehicle, though driven a bit, has very nice chrome and a nicely detailed engine bay. The original sales brochure is included with the car. It is equipped with Bosch driving lights and rides on Firestone whitewall tires. Overall, this is a nice example of a rare and seldom seen convertible that offers the exclusivity of a coachbuilt car and the quality of a classic Mercedes-Benz. Estimate; $60k-$90k

Lot #374: 1961 300 SL. This wonderful example from 1961 was purchased new in Newport, California and spent most of the intervening years in Coronado, California. Approximately 10 years ago, the current enthusiast-owner acquired it from Paul Russell in Boston, Massachusetts. Since it was already a beautifully running and driving car, the 300 SL was purchased with the intention to be driven and enjoyed first and then restored later. Accordingly, it was shipped to the new owner’s home in Florida, and soon after, it was serviced, had the belts and hoses changed, and was entered into the New England 1200 classic rally, as well as driven from Florida to New England and back – a total of 3,800 miles. It performed flawlessly. Next, the 300 SL was driven in the Florida 1000 classic rally, running through Northern Florida and Southern Georgia, again performing as it should and accumulating another 1,750 miles. Estimate: $500k-$575k

Lot #320: 1955 300SL. This handsome 300SL, sporting red paint with tan leather interior, has been regularly used in driving events and is fully sorted mechanically. The odometer reads just 77,000 miles, which are believed to be original. Factory original fitted luggage is also included, and the color matches the interior perfectly, further providing evidence that the interior (which has a lovely patina) is most likely original. Inside, you’ll find a Becker Le Mans radio and, in the trunk, the original jack and a complete tool roll (reproduction). All exterior body panels are straight and true, and the undercarriage is equipped with belly pans. This is an exceedingly nice driver quality 300SL that would be welcome at competition and driving events wherever its owner might choose to participate. Estimate $450k-$550k

Lot #319: 1957 300SL Roadster. This striking red roadster with tan leather interior and tan German canvas top was regularly used by its owner in driving events. It has a solid, rust-free body with very nice paint and chrome. In addition, it shows evidence of having been well cared-for and regularly maintained. The trunk is lined with the correct square-weave material, and the jack and complete tool kit are included, both of which appear to be in their original bags. The 300SL today remains one of the greatest production automobiles ever produced and will be forever recognized for sheer performance, heritage, engineering and overall excellence in an automobile. This car is no exception and one that any enthusiast would be proud to own. Estimate: $400k-$450k

Lot #371: 1936 540k Special Cabriolet. The original owner of s/n 130913, William A. Burden, took delivery in Paris, although Mercedes-Benz factory records indicate the car was shipped to New York. There are several possible explanations, but the most likely of these is that the car was ordered through the New York agency but then diverted to Paris at Burden’s request. Mr. Burden was the patriarch of an established and very wealthy East Coast family with the grandest homes in New York City and relationships to other established families, the Vanderbilts included. In a letter written in 1969 by Burden to the car’s second owner, Herbert Jaffe of Woodbury, New York, Burden relates that he “drove it abroad for several summers, then brought it to the United States.” He goes on to describe the other Mercedes-Benz models he had owned before buying the 540K, including a Model K, Model S, SS, SSK, and 770! Even more interesting is Burden’s explanation of the car’s striking styling. His intention was to “produce something that would give an effect similar to the racing Mercedes of that period,” but as one can see from the car, the results were somewhat different. Nonetheless, the Mercedes-Benz is truly remarkable. With its skirted rear fenders and fully disappearing top, it is very sleek looking, while the car’s unique and graceful radiator shell and twin rear spares give the body a French-influenced European flair. The prior owner acquired the car from Roy Jaffe in 2005 before it joined a large private collection in 2007. Today, it continues to benefit from the comprehensive professional restoration that was commissioned by Mr. Jaffe and completed by LaVine Restorations of Nappanee, Indiana. Mechanically, the restoration included a comprehensive rebuild of the original Roots-type supercharger, and in addition, the chassis, suspension, steering and braking systems were restored with all parts either reconditioned or replaced. Estimate: $1.1m-$1.3m

Lot #364: 1911 Mercedes 38/70 hp Seven Passenger Touring. The Mercedes then became part of the Otis Chandler collection in California, before being acquired by the late Mr. John O’Quinn at the Chandler auction in 2006. Without question one of the most outstanding aspects of this Mercedes is the simple fact that it remains one of the most powerful, mechanically impressive of all chain drive Brass Era Touring cars. The T-Head engine delivers over 70 horsepower, making it one of the largest motors of its time, not to mention rare, and in 1911 few cars could compare with the combination of power, speed and sophistication that this Mercedes would have offered. Col. Colt’s Mercedes remains outstanding in all aspects. The paint, wood and brass are all in excellent condition, and the buttoned black leather upholstery is nearly perfect. The wheels and whitewall tires are superb. The recipient of AACA Senior National First honors, the AACA Cup for an outstanding restoration of a pre-1921 vehicle, the Mayor’s Trophy at the Louis Vuitton Concours in New York City and the coveted Ansel Adams Trophy at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this mighty Mercedes remains the perfect contestant for the world’s most prestigious shows. Estimate: $500k-$600k

1928 S Boat tail Speedster, ex Zeppo Marx. Coachwork by Murphy and largely unrestored. A magnificent piece of Hollywood lore and one of a handful of Murphy (Los Angeles) bodied Mercedes of the era.

1955 300SL Gullwing, Silver/Red, Rudge wheels. Estimate $650k-$750k

1961 300SL Roadster, No Reserve. Estimate $600k-$700k.

1943 770 W Pullman. This is a rare sight at auction. Likely one of the last 770s constructed, this handsome and imperial sedan is estimated to sell between $1.5m and $2.0m.

1930 Mercedes-Benz 38/250 SS 7.1 liter Sports Tourer Chassis no. 36257 Engine no. 77636. Estimate on request

Lot #7006 1971 3.5 Cabriolet. Featured here is a stunning example of a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5. Recently professionally restored in the correct factory ‘mittelblau’ metallic over Saddle Roser leather with acres of burl-walnut trim and a contrasting Haartz cloth convertible top, the results are nothing short of stunning, understated opulence combined with the power, handling and ride comfort this generation of Mercedes-Benz automobiles are known for. As all 802 examples that reached the United States were equipped, this car features factory-installed Behr air-conditioning, a Becker Europa stereo radio, dash-mounted clock, power-windows, vacuum-operated power locks and much more.

Lot #7061. This immaculate 1961 190SL sports a completely restored engine and all underhood components by a master Mercedes mechanic. The vendor has detailed paperwork and invoices for all work performed on the vehicle. All exterior chrome was redone. The car's body is in excellent condition and was also restored. A brand-new genuine leather top kit conveys with the car as does an unrestored accessory hard top. Inside, the interior, dash and carpet are complete. Over $20,000 of documented work has been put in to this beautiful vehicle's restoration with needed parts purchased from Mercedes-Benz.

1965 220SE Cabriolet. Owned by Cinema Cars. Imagine cruising the strip with the top down in this car. You will be sure to get front row parking at any of the casinos. Set up the movie poster next to it and let everyone take photos. If you haven't seen the movie "THE HANGOVER" it is one of the best comedies of this past year. This car comes with an authentic signed movie poster off all the main actors. Every time you take this car somewhere people take notice. It is a lot of fun even without the lion in the back! Note: the body damage shown has been repaired!