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.

Guy, Loyda and Rose Lewis from Pinecrest, FL showed the dazzling Papayrus White 1972 SWB 600. Fully restored and noted to be Luciano Pavarotti's transport while touring in the US, this late series 600 is one of only 172 SWBs constructed in 1971.

Concours quality wood restoration for any Mercedes-Benz.

The Cantore Family of Oakbrook, IL showed this ex-Hugh Hefner 1972 Pullman. Hefner purchased this car new. What carnal pleasures did Hef enjoy in the back of this LWB? Hydraulic seats, divider window, a bar, curtains and remote radio controls - the possibilities (and bunnies) were unlimited!

Mercedes Classic Center displayed the rarely seen 1965 four-door Pullman Landaulet constructed for Pope Paul Vl. A one-off, this Landaulet features a raised roofline, extended rear doors and a raised platform for the Pope to wave to his subjects. This 600 was used by the Vatican for two decades, serving three popes. I doubt any of them had as much fun as Hef did in the sumptuous rear quarters of his.

The Utaskis displayed this gorgeous if showy 1960 300SL with hardtop and luggage. SL detectives will recognize this car as "Old Blue Eyes," a celebrated barn find circa 2008. Purchased new on Park Ave, New York City, the blue roadster was a gift from father to daughter, a sophomore at Vasser College. The gift was to persuade her to remain in college. I think I'd have hung around and graduated if presented with a new roadster in 1960. A 'dead-on' restoration would have included body color wheels and whitewall tires.

Wellington and Janet Morton showed this 1954 Gullwing, the 60th 300SL constructed. Early cars such as this were fitted with welting between the wheel arch "eyebrows" and coachwork. This early car was also fitted with the stylish "concave" grille star. The Morton's Gullwing is noted as showing but 50k miles on the odometer.

The rarest Pagoda on the planet, Pininfarina's 230SL fixed head coupe styling exercise made a rare appearance in Florida. Designed by Tom Tjaarda, this tasteful interpretation of an early Pagoda embodies a number of detail touches found on cars from one of Sergio Pininfarina's other clients: Ferrari. Note the thin pillars and airy greenhouse.

Pininfarina's 230SL deserves another look and this shot reveals the extended nose and forward angled grille shell. Thankfully, after being red and then black over the years, current owner Weston Hook(?) commissioned Hjeltness Restorations to return the car to it's original Silver. Did Tjaarda improve on the original Paul Bracq design?

Bruce Iannelli brought his one-off 300c wagon for everyone to enjoy. This opulent Binz bodied 300 was sold last year during RM's Amelia Island auction for $242,000. Like the Utaski 300SL, this project began with a special order from MBZ's Park Avenue, New York City dealership. Fabulous!

This end-of-series fuel injected 300d is resplendent in deep red. With "B" posts and rear quarter lights removed, this Adenauer becomes a stylish hardtop sedan. 3077 examples were constructed from 1957 through 1962.

Regal 1961 300d Convertible D has presence in spades, particularly in this color trim combination. Unloved by its original owner due to regular breakdowns, she had seven full size lemons painted inside the trunk lid. Perhaps this massive convertible stranded her and her horse trailer seven times. The lemons remain.

The Kemp Auto Museum provided this rakish 1931 370S Mannheim Sport. Impressive in its day, the 3.7 liter fitted with twin side-draft Solex carburetors provided barely 78 hp.

Provided by the Cantore Family, this spectacular 500K Cabriolet A was on display in the Mercedes Classic Center's enclosure. Abandoned in the North African desert during the WW2, it was discovered in 1945 and brought to the US by General Walter B. Smith. Typifying the long hood, short tail design ethos of the era, the 500K and its successor the 540K were and remain revered road cars. Note the position of grille shell - well behind the front axle line.

Best of Show for 2011? Duesenbergs won the day in 2011. Best of show in the sport arena was the outrageous yellow 1933 "Mormon Meteor." Ab Jenkins piloted this beast to a number of speed records at Bonneville. Best of show for a vehicle of elegance went to the 1933 Duesenberg SJN Arlington Torpedo Sedan also known as the "Twenty Grand." The 20G Deusy still looks stunning 30 years since its restoration. These two bigger than life automobiles exemplify the post-depression golden age of the automobile.

A gorgeous restored 600 that was fit for the King. Finished in 906 blue metallic with parchment leather, this short wheelbase edition is one of 2,190 such cars constructed from 1963-1981. Price new? About $32,695 circa 1971.

The W100 range was bigger than life in every respect. Featuring a 300hp 6.3 liter V-8 (Mercedes' first production V-8) intended to drag its 5434 lb bulk to 100km/hr in 9.7 seconds, its 218 inch length was fitted with enough unique hydraulic systems to keep technicians busy for the ensuing decades

Introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1963, the majestic new limousine became a favorite of stars and potentates alike. Elvis owned two examples.

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.

•An Original US-Delivery, Matching-Numbers Example • Known Ownership History • Longtime California Car • Exceptional Restoration by 300 SL Specialist Mark Allen

The Only Known Example of Its Kind • Fascinating Provenance and History • Sympathetically Refurbished by Hatch & Sons Automotive • Remarkable Craftsmanship and Detail • Featured Prominently in The Star Magazine and Mercedes-Benz Personenwagen

Striking Originality • Low-Mileage, Four-Owner Example • Desirable Center Console Floor Shift • Classic Convertible Sedan Body • Powerful 3.5-Liter Engine

The 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet pictured here was purchased by the vendor five years ago. Restored within about the last 15 years in Orange County, it formerly resided in sunny, dry Southern California and as such remains in excellent condition throughout. Currently showing 79,000 miles, the owner reports the car to be in excellent mechanical condition and has undertaken such cosmetic work as redoing the interior with new light tan upholstery. Finished in navy blue with a light tan convertible top and boot, the car is reported to be in as-new condition, from the paint and chrome to the interior. factory air conditioning and a floor-shift automatic transmission – both very desirable features.

This particular example, finished in cream with a striking red leather interior, was acquired by the vendor about five years ago after having received a frame-off restoration. According to information provided to the owner at the time of purchase, it was formerly owned by a Chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee and Disney board member. Since its acquisition, the car has been shown and driven very sparingly. It is reported to run and drive well, without any issues. While at a concours event, the car was inspected by a Mercedes-Benz factory trained mechanic, who marveled at the car’s period correctness and remarked that he was hard-pressed to find any incorrect pieces on the entire car. Properly maintained and beautifully presented, this is a handsome example, worthy of serious consideration.

The Gullwing presented here, chassis 5500366, is documented in the Gullwing Registry and was acquired by the O’Quinn Collection in 2004 after having received a comprehensive and very expensive nut and bolt restoration by a leading marque specialist. Finished in DB190 graphite gray with a dark red leather interior, the color combination is superb, complemented by red carpeting and matching fitted red leather luggage.

The car is finished in silver with a black interior, and it is best described as being in good driver condition. There is a small ding in the decklid and a cracked taillight. The odometer indicates just under 75,000 miles which is consistent with the car’s overall condition, although there is no documentation to support the indication. The paint is in very presentable condition, and the chrome and bright trim is very good. The rear seats show evidence of minor cracking and signs of aging, although the front seats are in much better condition, indicating restoration work at some point. The wood trim is quite good, particularly the door caps and garnishes.

Here we see a whitegray(158) 300SL roadster, the 190SL competition car and a 300d convertible sedan on the rack above the 190SL.

Mint low mileage 107s sitting in storage containers. Could they have delivery mileage only? Are they V-8 cars or the M110 twin cams?

With the fabled original gullwing-engined high speed transporter having been scrapped in 1967, Mercedes created this replica for PR purposes. Seen here with a 1954(?) W196 GP car aboard, the ungainly appearing transporter was capable of sustained 100 mph shuttles with a race car on its back. An idea from the fertile mind of team manager Alfred Neubauer.

A mind boggling group here. Another W196 GP car (#10) fronts a Sauber Mercedes Prototype and sits next to one of the wankel engined C111s. Behind the C111 we find one of the streamlined 1937 W125s specially prepared for the ultra-high speed Avus circuit in Berlin. #36 may have been von Brauchitsch's car in which he won Avus's 2nd heat with an average speed of 160.37 mph only to fall victim to a failed transmission in the final. Forty-three degree banking allowed the astounding average speeds. Note two more orange C111s sitting in storage boxes above the streamliner.

W194 300SL conquered LeMans for Mercedes-Benz in 1952 and provided the platform for the street version (W198) Gullwing introduced to a stunned motoring world in 1954. These early cars were carbureted.

One of one. This is the one and only fiberglass Gullwing constructed. Inspecting it in Pebble Beach circa 2004, I found the experimental coachwork quality quite crude. Note the "ponton" turn signal housings on each front fender.

Under restoration, this 1954 Grand Prix W196 Streamliner was constructed for high speed tracks. The streamliner returned an aerodynamic advantage of 20.5% over the open wheeled W196. Kling, Fangio and Hermann drove these cars in 1954, the Championship going to Fangio. Note massive inboard finned drum brakes sitting behind radiator.

Mercedes-Benz's 250GTO? The Uhlenhaut 300SLR coupes were fearsome street cars based on the Mille Miglia winning 300SLR roadsters. Constructed for racing manager Uhlenhaut's personal use and never sold to private owners, the straight eight coupe's value could rival that of Ferrari's $25m 250GTOs. With center throttle and deafening noise, the SLR coupe would be quite a driving experience.

Where it all began, the circa 1890 Benz "patent motorwagon."

A W29 500/540k Convertible A or B - hard to tell. Constructed from February 1934 to November 1939, these cars represented the pinnacle of prewar automobile design. Total production of 761 units (342 five liter cars and 419 five point four liter cars) guarantee stratospheric values today.

Cabernet Red R129 SL was a gift to Princess Dianna. After the uproar caused by Britain's then most visible personality driving a German sports car, it was quietly returned to Mercedes.

Circa 1991 Sauber C291 long distance Prototype coupe. Michael Schumacher's tenure driving Peter Sauber's Mercedes engined cars groomed him for Formula ! stardom.

1997(?) CLK GTR thrilled endurance race crowds in the later '90s. This author was one of those thrilled watching Ricardo Zonta's qualifying laps at Laguna Seca. The program faded after Peter Dumbreck's harrowing back flip into the trees at LeMans 1999.

Fabulous recreation of the Bohringer 300SE competition car, the ultimate fintail.

Recreation of the Spa-Sophia-Luttich Marathon Rally winning 230SL.

Charming 114/115 "stroke 8" series also represented at the Classic Center. With over one million constructed from 1968-1976, this series represented Mercedes' most successful passenger car range yet. One could drive a good example daily today.

Interesting 1969/1970 mid-engined C111 project featured 3 and 4 rotor wankel engines. Final 370hp 4-rotor versions were potent road cars offering 0-60 times of 4.8 sec and top speeds of 186mph.

Work-in-progress 600 sits on portable dolly. Note bare 300SL frame on wall in background and W196 streamliner's nose under engine hoist.

Two very interesting cars. The car in the lift is likely an open latter '30s 770 and to its left you can just see the tail of a prewar six wheel military parade car. More of Mercedes' storied and today somewhat controversial prewar heritage.

Three liter straight eight powerplant powered Mercedes back to the top of both the Grand Prix and Sports Car Championship world during 1954/1955. A technical marvel with desmodromic valve gear and Hirth type crankshaft, output peaked at 302hp.

Gorgeous 1932 Maybach Zeppelin DS8 convertible was displayed at the sumptuous 2009 Mercedes-Benz Classic Center display at Pebble Beach.

Through the past darkly: rows of Mercedes icons in storage.

Lot #31:   SOLD for $11,550.  This is a rare Euro model with small bumpers. Since 1988, it has been in Arizona and Texas and has 89,400 original miles. It has always been stored indoors and well cared for. The 2.8L, dual overhead cam, inline 6 cylinder engine was a basic and durable engine for Mercedes-Benz. The Fuel Injection gives the engine smooth performance. The automatic transmission is in excellent condition and shifts smooth and solid. The extremely straight and rust-free red exterior has been repainted with PPG base coat clear coat in the original red color and shows excellent. The black canvas convertible top is in excellent shape and stows neatly under the hard tonneau cover. A matching red hardtop is included, along with a cover, as well as a rolling storage rack. Both tops give the car a unique look. The black interior is stock with recovered seats and an AM/FM/CD stereo. New wheels and tires give this convertible an updated look as well as crisp handling. All lights, turn signals, air conditioner, heater, horn, stereo, wipers, door locks, etc. work as they should.

Lot #360:Â Â SOLD for $18,150Â Â This was a one-year only US production automobile. Small chrome bumpers, rust-free, original California Blue Plate car. Un-restored original condition. Original light beige exterior with Mocha hardtop and hand painted pin stripe. Beautiful panel fit. All original chrome and stainless in great condition. Light tan original cloth top. Original two tone MB Tex interior including door panels that are Saddle with dark brown inserts. Original loop carpet in beige. The car has the original stainless steel hubcaps, all original glass, crack free dash, original engine that runs great and transmission that shifts smooth. All factory books and original jack, spare and tool kit.

Lot #334:Â Â SOLD for $10,450Â Â Well cared for and maintained 1959 Mercedes Benz 220S Sedan. Everything is original except a repaint to factory color. Close examination of the body and undercarriage reveals no evidence of rust or deterioration. Shortly after purchase, the owner had service work totaling $10,178.43. A copy of that work is included. The vehicle is in excellent mechanical condition.

Lot #27:Â Â SOLD for $8,800 ( Hmmm, $10k in recent service work and the car sells for $8k + buyer's fee. Therein lies the V-12 SL conundrum.)Â Â Â Black with Palomino interior, 388hp 6.0L V12, power everything, multi-speaker sound system, 18" wheels with less than 83,000 actual miles, $10,000 in recent maintenance at Mercedes dealership.

Lot #451:Â Â Â SOLD for $38,500 (Classic Showcase is a highly respected Jaguar restoration facility. If their work on this 230SL was of the same caliber found on their Jags, this might have been a decent buy. It's all down to structure, however, on this Euro Pagoda.)Â Â This Mercedes-Benz 230SL roadster has a tremendous patina of originality. It is in a very appealing color combination of cream with a red interior. Features German top, the original German mats in the trunk and inside the car, AM/FM radio and Michelin tires with its original hubcaps. A recent cosmetic restoration by Classic Showcase including full vehicle service, repaint, color sand and buff, internal refurbishing and much more. A great driver and highly collectable.

Lot #918.1:Â Â Â SOLD for $36,300 (This 280SL generated about the same value as the "restored" Euro 230SL above. If this 280SL was structurally correct and ready for some reliable touring, I'd note this sale as market correct.)Â Â This 1969 280SL is a wonderful example of the culmination of the series, with 180hp, 193ft/lbs torque, a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, a correct period Becker Europa in-dash radio. It comes with two tops, both hard and soft and is an extraordinary example. Even the firewall padding and insulation are original and un-molested. There is an impressive package of original paperwork, books, manual, records and even the original warranty plate. In the trunk are the correct spare tire cover, trunk mat and tools.

Lot #1203: Â Sold for $40,400 Â Un-molested 280SL. This Mercedes has received a recent major mechanical service and full detail inside and out. This car has always been well serviced and maintained. Having been manufactured near the end of the production cycle makes this roadster highly desirable and collectible. It features its original Becker AM/FM radio, air conditioning and automatic transmission. It comes complete with two tops, a hard and a softtop. The wood, glass, chrome and paint are all in very good condition. This Mercedes comes with the owner's manual and records from the past owner along with the original Protect-O-Plate. This is a very original and great sports car icon for the first time collector or the Mercedes-Benz enthusiast to collect, drive, enjoy and show.

Lot #1527: Â Sold for $15,400 Â (Enormous money for a six cylinder early 129 SL...unless it had 10k miles.) Â Â Rare red with factory chrome alloys. Dealer maintained, Arizona rust-free car with gorgeous palomino tan leather. Upgraded sound system. Has hardtop and power softtop. Meticulously maintained and rust-free example of a Mercedes-Benz roadster body style. A great addition to any Mercedes-Benz collection.

Lot #1532:  Sold for $33,000 (Large money for a 230SL but if the car is a beautifully preserved original 67k mile survivor as the catalogue images indicated, I'd say it's properly bought.)    When the 230 SL was introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, it ushered in a new era in the storied history of Mercedes-Benz. A fresh, modern shape, spirited performance, Grand Touring comfort and cutting edge safety were all rolled into one beautiful package with state of the art features like fuel injection, disc brakes and the innovative removable Pagoda top. They are also regarded as the first sports car to combine a stiff passenger cell with front and rear deformation zones, just like on cars built today. The 230 seen here is a handsome example finished in attractive white over blue leather and a navy soft-top. It has 67,779 original miles and shows in very nice condition throughout. Included with the car are the owner's manual, a signed odometer statement, paperwork from when the previous owner purchased the car at the Seattle Mercedes dealer in 1994, extra keys and service history. This SL drives as good as it looks.

Lot #1635:   SOLD for $17,050 (Huge money for an early V-8 R129 SL. Hopefully it was spotless and showing very low mileage. $17k buys a superb 2000 SL500 in California.)  Has been meticulously maintained. Brilliant Silver with Dove Gray leather interior. Factory chrome wheels with Michelin tires. Still retains its factory system. Always garaged, California car. Always dealer maintained. Has two tops, hard and power softtop. These 500SLs are becoming one of the most sought after S series.

Lot #157:  SOLD for $522k  As recorded in the 300 SL Registry, this Roadster was delivered new to the Mercedes-Benz distributor in Austria on January 23, 1958. At the time, it was finished in the same color scheme as it appears today and, to accommodate its first destination, was fitted with the desirable one-piece European headlamps sought after by many collectors. Some years later, the car was exported to Southern California. Its first-known owner, Mr. Larry Stoneburner of San Diego, purchased the SL in 1972. After another two years, it became the proud possession of Mr. Stuart Glickman of Granada Hills. Significantly, the vendor has owned this lovely Roadster since July 1976.

Lot #172:Â Â SOLD for $82,500Â Â According to a copy of the Mercedes-Benz Wagenkarte, this dapper Ponton Mercedes-Benz was originally delivered on December 15, 1958, in the distinctive two-tone color combination of medium blue over metallic light blue. The late Clayton Durgin, a highly regarded Mercedes-Benz restorer known for his craftsmanship and impressive attention to detail, became the second owner of this 220S when he purchased it on April 1, 1983, from Jesse Torregrossa of East Dorset, Vermont. In his care, the Ponton Mercedes-Benz was painstakingly restored between 1983 and 1992, at which time the stylish 220S Cabriolet was transformed into a magnificent show car.

Lot #25:  SOLD for $66,000 (Massive money for a 280SL. Not much relevant information to be found in the description so we presume the buyer saw what he/she needed to see upon a close inspection.)  Launched in December of 1967, the 280SL was to be the final and most sophisticated derivative of the already successful W113 model. The Pagoda, as it is often referred to because of the distinctive hardtop’s appearance, was the replacement for the outdated 190 SL. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz recognized the need for a more civil car, both in handling and safety, two key areas that became the focus for the new SL. The styling was another step forward, as renowned industrial designer and artist Paul Bracq penned a very modern design with strikingly simple details and timeless lines. The interior of the W113 is influenced by the 300SL with its large VDO gauges on a body-matched dash, thoughtfully executed chrome and wood details, and all possible amenities.

Lot #35:  SOLD for $242,000 (A very good client of MercedesHeritage.com purchased this beautiful 300S and was immediately offered a substantial profit by another buyer. Restored in 1982, the car still presented itself beautifully. I inspected and drove the car briefly at the shipping agent and was impressed by quiet drivetrain and spotless paint and brightwork. Obviously well bought.)   In 1951, Mercedes-Benz presented its first totally new automotive designs following WWII at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The 220 was intended to replace the pre-war 170, while the all-new 300 series took its place as the company’s flagship. Initially offered only as a sedan, within months, the 300 S Coupes, Cabriolets and Roadsters debuted at the Paris Auto show and their distinct variations recalled the grandeur and elegance seen in the great 540Ks of the 1930s. With the 300 series, Mercedes-Benz reclaimed its place as one of the greatest automotive manufacturers in the world, setting the tone for decades to come.

Lot #144:  SOLD for $660k (Another case of a massive premium paid for originality. Having been sitting untouched for 20 years will guarantee some serious re-commissioning costs. This fairly well preserved "barn find" Gullwing will cost its new owner over $700k once back on the road. We like original cars as well but tend not to pay a 40% premium for the privilege of owning one. We hope the car is never restored and consider it very well sold.)   Chassis No. 198.040.5500664 Engine No. 198.980.5500716. An Extraordinarily Undisturbed SL. Complete with Original Books, Tools and Accessories. One-Owner Car Until 2009 Approximately 32,000 Miles from New. Spectacular Irreplaceable Patina. A Matching Numbers, “Curved Star” Gullwing.

Lot #207:Â Â SOLD for $74,250Â Â This particular 1970 280 SE Cabriolet was purchased new in Greenville, South Carolina and cared for during most of its life by a U.S. Air Force Colonel. As evidenced by a sizable file accompanying the car, it was maintained with near-military precision, including regular updates as required to the belts, hoses, bushings and mounts. In fact, the front seats were rotated to minimize wear! Prior to his retirement, the Colonel was transferred back to Greenville during the early 1990s where the current owner acquired the Cabriolet in 1997. The original selling dealer handled the inspection of the car at that time. While the Cabriolet showed no evidence of body damage or bodywork, a repaint in the original gold finish was completed due to some damage caused by a leaking battery. No other restorative work was performed, and today, the car displays a remarkably clean undercarriage with the original finish still visible, since it was not undercoated when delivered new. As offered, the Cabriolet drives exactly as it looks, with its outstanding overall condition reflecting the attentive care and proper maintenance it has always received. It is currently used on weekends and in classic car events and is ready to be enjoyed in many, many more.

Lot #212:Â SOLD for $93,500 (Noted in the catalogue to have been restored to an "Epic" level in a very desirable color/trim combination, this 190SL brought a correspondingly epic price. 190SLs have been bringing fairly strong money over the last 12 months with basket cases bringing over $20k and exceptional cars such as this creeping toward $100k.)Â Â Please note this car was actually purchased by its current owner in 2004. It has been driven sparingly and maintained at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California ever since. The owner reports the full frame-off restoration to have been to epic proportions and the opportunity to acquire a 190SL of this caliber is accordingly quite rare.

Lot #312: Â SOLD for $112,750 Â Â Est. 80 hp, 2,195 cc inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed column-shift transmission, independent front suspension with wishbones and coil springs, rear suspension by swing axles and coil springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 112" Introduced at Frankfurt in 1951, the Mercedes-Benz 220 series was available in sedan, coupe and cabriolet variants. It was in production through August 1955, with only 997 Cabriolet Bs built. According to a letter sent by a previous owner to the vendor, this lovely example was owned by a gentleman in Wisconsin from 1993 to 1998, who bought it from a party that found the car in a barn they had purchased. Upon acquiring it, he removed the body from the frame and restored both. He claimed to have never driven the car but only restored it cosmetically. In 1998, he sold the car to a car dealer in southern Louisiana, who painted the car black (it was red before) and only drove it 42 kilometers over the next five years. In fact, it sat in his showroom, not for sale, but simply as a display car. Finally, in 2003, the vendor acquired the 220 Cabriolet B with 36,363 kilometers showing on the odometer. Although it was cosmetically restored, he enjoys driving his cars and therefore elected to conduct a mechanical restoration on this car as well. He carried out as much work as possible on his own before sending the car to noted restorer Henry Magno of Massachusetts. Receipts totaling over $37,000 in mechanical work are available. As presented, the car is reported to run perfectly and drives wonderfully. The owner has driven the car about 3,500 kilometers since purchasing it and has won awards in every car show he has entered. The extensive list of desirable features include an original owners manual, sales literature, service manual, a Telefunken radio with multiple bands and original Bosch lamps with halogen bulbs, which do not have sealed beam units behind the original lenses like so many other restored cars. The car also has a set of fitted luggage in the trunk, which is in excellent condition. Overall, it is described as being in outstanding condition with everything in working order. The lovely black exterior finish is offset by a burgundy interior with matching carpets. Thanks to properly executed restoration work, this Mercedes-Benz requires nothing to be driven and shown with pride.

Lot #F425: This 1971 Mercedes Benz 280SL is an immaculate, mostly original and unrestored example. It was always pampered from new and has all matching numbers. Finished in white with a black hardtop and softtop and original matching leather interior, everything works properly. The automatic transmission shifts crisply and the car runs and drives perfectly. Even the trunk features the original unused tool kit jack and tire wedge. The original Becker Europa stereo was rebuilt by a former Becker technician. The engine bay is outstanding with pristine original firewall pad. All chrome is original mirror finish. FrigiKing A/C blows cold. Trunk and undercarriage are in perfect time capsule condition. Show condition paint with no modifications rust, dings or dents. This may be the nicest low mileage original 280SL in existence. You must see this car before considering the purchase of a restored car. Remember, they are only original once!

Lot #F573: Offered here is an example of one of these cars. Finished in white over red Roser leather and with just 49,050 original miles, it is still in the possession of its first owner. The car is in like-new condition throughout having always been garaged, properly serviced and maintained. Never rusted or smoked in, it benefits from recent servicing including a new air conditioning system, a full fluid-change and tuneup, new shocks, brakes, motor mounts, exhaust, Michelin radial tires, a new battery and more. Not only does its powerful 4.5 liter V-8 run as smoothly as it did when new, the 3-speed automatic transmission coupled to it shifts just as well.

Lot #S726: This beautiful little SL, is complete with a known history from new. It is strikingly presented with solid black paint offset by excellent chrome and whitewall tires. The interior is equally smart with tan leather upholstery, dash surround and trim throughout accompanied by correct matching tweed carpets. The car has its original steering wheel and also has an extremely rare and pristine period Becker Europa radio. With restoration receipts well in excess of $100,000.00, one will be hard pressed to acquire a more thoroughly sorted and finely restored example presented anywhere.

Lot #SN809: Top-of-the-line for Mercedes in 1995, this SL 600 V-12 Convertible has both its removable accessory hard top as well as a crisp convertible top. With just 66,678 original miles, it's a great driving car that is ready to be enjoyed today!

Lot #SN806: This 1977 Mercedes Benz 450SL has been lovingly maintained throughout its life and is in superb condition. It has been repainted and sports a new convertible top as well as a removable hardtop. Inside, the interior is original yet remains in amazingly like-new condition! This Mercedes is ready for the road, having passed a California SMOG test in 2009. The 16" chrome-plated alloy wheels are genuine Mercedes parts and truly add to the visual appeal of this fine automobile.

Lot #???: This outstanding original example of the 'Grosser Mercedes' is a lifetime rust-free California example with perfect wood, leather, chrome and paint. Unlike most 600s, the vendor states that all elements of the mechanicals including engine, air-suspension, transmission, brakes and more are in perfect working order and ready to enjoy today!

Lot #F448: This 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL is finished in classic Astral Silver over a Red interior and sports a replacement engine from another car.

Lot #???: 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. As remarked on by marque specialist Alex Dearborn, ‘The enthusiast would have a hard time finding a collectible car so thoroughly modern and easy to use. With their snug-fitting six-layer convertible tops, excellent sound-deadening, and quiet V-8s, they can cruise the interstates at today’s elevated speeds, delivering four people to their weekend destinations in better comfort than many new cars. Service and parts are easy to obtain through hundreds of knowledgeable dealers and independent shops.

Lot #49:Â Â No results noted, possibly indicating the car was pulled prior to the auction. Â Â This car is a one owner car - Everything is original and has not been restored. It is the original color - Desert Tan-Gold with a dark Brown removable hard top and dark Brown interior. The concealed "soft" top is in place but needs replacing. It has 95212 miles on it and a recent tune up - excellent running condition.

Lot #58:  No information noted in Silver's auction results.  Both tops, AT, A/C, Full power, Heated leather seats, AM/FM with CD changer, Factory windscreen, 98K Actual miles, Very nice car!

Lot #327:  No information noted in Silver's auction results. This 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL Coupe/Roadster is the rarest of the W113-bodied cars, which were built only in 1967 and 1968. It features the advances showcased in this model including four-wheel disc brakes, all-independent suspension, and a 2.5-liter sohc, mechanically fuel injected, six-cylinder engine. The removable hard top is another unique feature of this ‘pagoda’ style coupe. The forest green exterior and tan leather interior are both in excellent condition. This car was purchased new in 1967 by S.H. Kemp and has never left the family. In its 42 years in the Kemp family it was driven only 96,000 miles. The car was passed on to his daughter, Shirley upon his death in 1972. She is now offering this car for sale and she will be donating 100% of the proceeds to help build a new animal shelter in her hometown of Helena, Montana. Shirley is honoring her father’s memory and her own love of animals through this sale.

Lot #363: Â SOLD for $18,360 (Not a bad value here. We see tired 380SLs advertised for $12k-$14k. Is it worth $17k to buy an essentially new 380SL? Barring any surprises from generally sitting most of its life, we certainly think so. Well bought.) Â Â 1982 Mercedes Benz 380SL Roadster. Rare Sun Yellow exterior with Palomino interior, Has dark brown soft top and removable hard top. This is a one owner vehicle purchased new from Fletcher Jones in Las Vegas, NV. Car has full documentation including original buyer's order, Monroni sticker and new vehicle brochure with all books, records, and documented 16,500 miles.

Street registered CLK GTRs on display in the entrance hall. The roadster sold for $995k and the coupe fetched $843k. Each is capable of providing a memorable LeMans level driving experience.

Purple interior trim of CLK GTR Spider a bit rich but would be quickly forgotten once up to speed in this thinly disguised race car.

Amazing AMG modified Gullwing rarely seen in public. AMG's personalization studio completely remanufactured an ORIGINAL Gullwing with modern drivetrain. Matching the nature of its owner, this hot rod Gullwing featured showy heavy metalflake silver paintwork.

Lavishly appointed AMG Gullwing interior is certainly incongruous with the car it's installed within. This Gullwing was truly a mind bender. Workmanship seems to be without fault.

Normally aspirated E55 engine provides this most unusual Gullwing with 360hp. V shaped tie bar connected to original GW spaceframe at cowl area provides extra rigidity for a structure originally designed to cope with 215hp.

Glittery Gullwing made $679k, a sum that would have purchased a #1 condition correct Gullwing.

Grossly neglected "barn find" 600 Landaulet flattered to deceive. Low estimate lulled potential buyers into false hopes of securing a bargain.

Once the most sumptuous motorcar money could buy, RM's Landaulet had been the subject of abject neglect for decades. It could have been worse; rumors indicated there were plans for an earlier owner's political rivals to destroy the car.

Grim looking 600 partially complete and needed every item reconditioned/restored. We would consider the Landaulet to be one of the most complicated post-war production automobiles to restore.

Rearmost power seats destroyed as is every square inch of wood, leather and carpet - a daunting project!

More interior devastation - center, rearward facing seats fairly intact. The same cannot be said for the once lovely bar located between the seats.

Tatty 600 LWB Landaulet the most regal postwar Mercedes-Benz and a favorite of Pope's and dictators alike. Pullman's 153.5 inch wheelbase is almost 28 inches longer than that of a 2009 S550.

Looking through divider window opening toward cavernous rear seat area. Roof area over rear seat folds down for open air touring amongst the masses. The amount of leather and wood in this car is simply staggering.

While the auction catalog noted it among many missing items, I spy the suspension air compressor among the jumble of pieces in the trunk.

After 3-4 years of specialist work and perhaps $500k, this is what RM's Landaulet could look like. Will the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center try to buy this car?

Late model alloys do nothing for the Gullwing's appearance. Note power outside rear view mirrors and lack of bumper guards. R129 series (1990-2002) SL provided rear suspension components.

Normally aspirated 6 liter M119 series engine (probably sourced from 1999-2002 E55) produces 380hp and mated to 4-speed automatic transmission. The car is fully compliant with stringent Euro2 emissions regulations.

Massive interior updates include Recaro seats trimmed in Nappa leather, alcantara headliner, "piano black" dash face, large center console and steering wheel/column sourced from R129 SL.

The best of both worlds? What do you think?