Equipment
7,065cc inline six, dual carburetors, supercharged, 140/200hp, chrome wire wheels, Englebert tires, dual sidemounts, outside exhaust head pipes, Beige cloth covered luggage trunk, Zeiss headlights.
Condition
The long wheelbase touring variant of the famed SSK and SSKL, one of 111 believed built. U.S. delivered when new. Coachwork attributed to Hibbard & Darrin in Paris and a gorgeous thing it is with nearly half of the wheelbase taken up by the hood and cowl, a compact passenger tonneau and seductive teardrop fenders. Old AACA National First Prize badge, VSCCA badge, Mercedes-Benz Klassik certified despite some concern over the engine number. The engine was rebuilt in 2017 and brakes have been converted to hydraulic. Good older paint and chrome. Sound but aged and worn upholstery and interior trim. Chipped paint at fender support mountings on both front fenders. Oily chassis but very presentable. An imposing and handsome automobile with a 1957 restoration that is holding up very well.
Market commentary
This is a truly spectacular, beautiful and rare automobile that has survived complete and as-built through careful preservation by a succession of caring owners who recognized its style, quality and performance. Some issues, however, are a concern including attribution of the coachwork, the engine number and the hydraulic brakes (much more reliable, but not original) that seem to have inhibited bidders' enthusiasm. Its condition is a compromise: good enough to use with confidence on tours but far from modern concours standards. That is a qualification that limits its appeal to a small, select and particular subset of collectors. If the reported high bid here represents real money it could have been given serious consideration by the consignor. It would glorious to see and hear it on the road.