Imagine this: A vintage Mercedes-Benz, once the pride of a celebrated actor, could soon fetch a staggering $2.3 million at auction! This isn't just any car; it's a piece of automotive history, a 1928 Mercedes-Benz S-Type, and its story is as captivating as its potential price tag.
This particular model, introduced in 1927, was a race car at heart, cleverly disguised as a luxury vehicle for the elite. Only 174 of these magnificent machines were ever made, making them incredibly rare. But this one has an even more unique pedigree: it was once owned by the legendary Academy Award-winning actor, Peter Ustinov. Before gracing the auction block through Bonhams, it spent over five decades as a prized exhibit at England's National Motor Museum.
Born a year after the official adoption of the Mercedes-Benz name, the S-Type was a groundbreaking model for the automaker. Its very existence owes much to Ferdinand Porsche, before he founded his own car company. The 'S' in its name stands for 'Sport,' but it could just as easily represent 'Supercharged,' as the company had pioneered supercharged production cars. Porsche, as Daimler's chief engineer in the mid-1920s, was instrumental in developing the S-Type, which showcased its motorsport prowess at the Nürburgring's premiere race in 1927, where it secured a first-place victory.
According to Bonhams, this specific model, chassis No. 35952, is a 36/220 S-Type Four-Seater Sports Tourer. It left the factory in 1928, initially owned by Mr. AW Dowding. The trail of ownership becomes somewhat hazy after that, until Ustinov acquired it in 1951.
From 1955, Ustinov, celebrated for his roles in 'Spartacus' and 'Topkapi,' displayed the car at the Montagu Motor Museum. He later donated it to the National Motor Museum in 1973, where it has remained ever since.
But here's where it gets controversial... The car originally featured a two-seat configuration. However, the National Motor Museum undertook a restoration, replacing the body with a four-seater version crafted by coachbuilder Rod Jolley. This was done to prepare the vehicle for a 1986 rally commemorating the automobile's centenary. The car was driven again in the 1987 Mille Miglia and has likely not been driven since.
This extended period of inactivity means the car requires significant attention. The engine needs a comprehensive rebuild, and structural issues must be addressed. As Bonhams notes, the bulkhead wasn't correctly fitted, and the running boards were loosely attached for the Mille Miglia. The wiring harness was also incomplete.
This car is not just for any collector; it's for someone who appreciates the history of a significant automotive brand and enjoys a challenge. This opportunity will be available at the Bonhams Bond Street Sale in London.
And this is the part most people miss... Tim Schofield, a senior specialist at Bonhams, points out that this is the first time in over seventy years that this supercharged supercar has been available to the public. This is a key factor in its estimated value, which ranges from $1.7 million to $2.3 million.
What are your thoughts on this remarkable piece of automotive history? Would you be willing to take on the challenge of restoring it? Share your opinions in the comments below!
