For 130 years, Mercedes-Benz France has been at the forefront of automobile design. Throughout this time, a vision of the future has been expressed through the development and creation of a range of inspirational models. Models synonymous with innovation, timeless design, luxury, and performance.
Artcurial Motorcars, the European leader in collectors’ car sales, will present, in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, the world leading manufacturer of premium cars, an exceptional sale on Sunday 15 October 2017. Some 40 hand-picked Mercedes-Benz models will come under Maitre Hervé Poulain’s hammer at the Mercedes-Benz Center in Rueil Malmaison, Paris.
This prestigious auction sale has exceptional provenance. Amongst the 40 cars in the sale will be 20 coming directly from the private collection of Mercedes-Benz France.
The sale will bring together the most emblematic models in the marque’s history, including those inspired by the manufacturer’s greatest sporting victories. The cars on offer will range from a replica of the Benz Tricycle, the first automobile in history, to the mythical 300 SL Gullwing and the distinctive 500 SL, a star of the television series “Dallas”.
“Organising a unique sale with a marque as prestigious as Mercedes-Benz will give collectors the chance to immerse themselves in the history of the automobile. An iconic marque, synonymous with luxury, strength, elegance and performance. What an opportunity for an enthusiast to acquire a classic model from the manufacturer itself!”– Matthieu Lamoure, Managing Director, Artcurial Motorcars
1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen tricycle replica
Estimate : 90 000 – 110 000 € / 100 000 – 130 000 $
The 1886 Benz tricycle is generally regarded as being the first automobile ever. It was certainly the first vehicle in the modern era, powered by an internal combustion engine. In 2002/2003, Mercedes supervised the construction of a hundred replicas of this historic machine, intended for display in its dealers’ showrooms. Faithful to the original, no concessions were made to modern technology, and the replicas are an exceptional tribute to the workmanship of the early pioneers.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
Estimate : 900 000 – 1, 3 M€ / 1 – 1,5 M$
Unveiled at the New York Motor Show in February 1954, the 300 SL coupé revolutionised the world of sporting GT cars. Featuring special ‘gullwing’ doors, the model was extraordinarily attractive. Fitted with a tubular frame, it was the first production car to have a direct fuel injection system.
The 300 SL Gullwing presented here left the factory on 18 December and is an original French car, delivered new by Mercedes-Benz Paris. It has belonged to Mercedes-Benz France since 1994. The car is mechanically original and benefits from the rare N.S.L. specification. It has been restored in the past and has its original livery and centre lock Rudge wheels. An indisputable legend in the history of the automobile.
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL roadster
Estimate : 800 000 – 1 M€ / 950 000 – 1,2M$
The 300 SL Roadster is an icon of the 1950s and 1960s. Where the 300 SL Gullwing had a 
spectacular appearance, the roadster version enabled the sophisticated engineering to be combined with relaxed, open top driving. The six-cylinder injection engine derived from competition guaranteed a high performance to match levels of comfort and luxury only seen in the most exclusive cars at that time. This automobile was first registered on 1 July 1961, delivered new in ivory, with red carpets and leather upholstery. It is believed to be originally a European car, and was bought by Mercedes-Benz France on 3 January 2002 from Bentley. It has the original engine, gearbox and transmission, and its condition is in keeping with an older, good quality restoration.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet
Estimate : 350 000 – 450 000 € / 410 000 – 530 000 $
No reserve
The 300 S was the German manufacturer’s top of the range model at the start of the 1950s. 
Derived from the 300 saloon, this model was equipped with a straight-six engine boasting cutting-edge direct fuel injection. Producing an impressive 175 bhp, the 300 S had a top speed of 180 km/h. Delivered new to New York, this 300 S Cabriolet was first registered on 1 July 1955. Mercedes-Benz France acquired the car in 2002. The model showcased Mercedes-Benz expertise, and production was limited to 500 examples, coupés and cabriolets together, making this a rare and highly sought-after car.
1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 limousine
Estimate : 60 000 – 90 000 € / 70 000 – 110 000 $
No reserve
What do the Emperor Bao Dai, Fidel Castro, the King of Morocco, Coco Chanel, Mireille Mathieu and Elvis Presley have in common ? They all owned, at some point in their lives, a 
Mercedes 600. First class in every respect, the 600 took automobile comfort to new heights. Pneumatic suspension, which also operated the windows and rear boot, transported passengers in a level of comfort never seen before. The powerful V8 250 bhp 6.3-litre engine gave this imposing Mercedes-Benz a top-level performance to match. This 600 limousine was registered on 9 June 1972 in the name of Mercedes-Benz France, who has kept it as a demonstration car from new.
1988 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL cabriolet with hard-top
Estimate : 50 000 – 80 000 € / 60 000 – 95 000 $
No reserve
Presented for the first time in 1971, the career of the R107 chassis SL spanned 18 years 
during which time a record number of 237 000 examples were built. Given celebrity status in the television series « Dallas’, the car was the result of eight years of study and it set new standards for safety, comfort, finish and performance. Known and loved the world over, the cabriolet was powered by a V8 5-litre engine mated to an automatic box that gave the car a top speed of 230 km/h. First registered on 4 May 1988, this car has belonged to Mercedes-Benz France from new. Presented in bright red with a lovely black leather interior, it is in excellent condition. Having covered less than 70 00 km from new, and with Mercedes-Benz France, its only owner here is a unique example of the 500 SL.
