To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Paris
event, 6 February 2019.
Estimate:
€65.000 - €85.000
- Highly original example; rare automatic transmission
- Previous long-term ownership for over 35 years
- Retains its original engine; only 85,000 original miles
- Includes original manuals, tool kit and jack
This highly original 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 c sedan is one of few
delivered with an automatic gearbox - a particularly rare option.
Desirably finished in black with a red leather interior, the 300 C
was sold new to W. L. Jay of New York. From the 1970s, the car
belonged to the proprietor of a Mercedes-Benz dealership in
Princeton, New Jersey, and was often displayed in the showroom.
While visiting the dealership, the Mercedes was seen by an
enthusiast, Dinos Constantouris.
Constantouris had fond memories of a similar such 300 he often saw
as a young man on Cyprus. It left such an impression on him that
once he could afford one, he only ever drove a Mercedes-Benz.
Constantouris spent several years trying to buy the 300 c and
finally, in 1981, the service manager, Bob Mallon, called and
offered him the car. He would then own the car for over 35
years.
Acquired in 2017 by the current owner, and imported to Europe, the
300 c has recently benefited from some mechanical attention and
minor sorting. Today it shows just 85,000 miles and is thought to
retain its factory finishes throughout. As a testament to the car's
originality, under both front and rear seats one will find the
factory chalk markings indicating the body number. Upon close
inspection, numerous, original factory details can be found
throughout.
This Mercedes-Benz is complete with the original owner's manual,
original service book, pouch and Becker radio documentation as well
as the jack and original tool kit. The service confirms that the
car also retains its original engine.
This lovingly preserved 300 c sedan is likely one of the finest
original examples surviving today.To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa19.
