Equipment
RHD. Ducellier acetylene headlights and kerosene sidelights and taillight. 37" rear and 36" front tires on varnished wood spoke wheels. Double chain drive, dual rear spares, one in each size, wood body cappings, matching tool box on left running board, whitewalls, folding windshield, black patent leather mud shields, jump seats, ivory porcelainized cylinder blocks, Elliott speedometer. Engine plate 13496. Stamped B.No. 953 M. No. 19 on upper and lower crankcase.
Condition
1992 AACA Senior. Purchased by Colonel Samuel P. Colt, the gunmaker's more successful nephew (President of the Industrial Trust Company in Providence and U.S. Rubber Company among other things). Bought for European tours in 1911 and 1914, used by French Army in WWI. Stayed in his family until 1937, later acquired by B. Scott Isquick from Webster Knight III's estate in 1970 and restored in 1994. Winner of the 1994 Pebble Beach Ansel Adams Trophy along with many other awards. Complete and as-built for Col. Colt, impressively documented. In concours condition. John O'Quinn Estate.
Market commentary
Sold by Gooding & Company in the disposition of Otis Chandler's collection in 2006 for $575,000 hammer, $632,500 with commission. A wonderful early Mercedes with an intriguing, authentic and continuous history that only adds to its appeal. It was a good value in 2006 at a hundred large more than this. Its an even better value today.