Classic Van Auction Talk

Sunday 31 January 2016

1931 MATCHLESS 592cc SILVER HAWK - COYS AUCTIONS 13-02-16

bikes_online_smaller
 
Excel Centre, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL

13 Feb 2016
Viewing: Friday 12th February 09:00am to 17:00pm
Saturday 13th February 09:00am to 14:30pm
 
 

1931 MATCHLESS 592cc SILVER HAWK

 
Description
Matchless, founded by the Collier brothers, remained one of the strongest performers in the industry, even in the 1930s depression, a period which saw many of its rivals in serious trouble. Despite this, both Matchless and rivals Ariel launched four-cylinder models in 1931; the technically-brilliant Matchless lasting for four years only, the less-radical Ariel going on into the ‘fifties. The Matchless Silver Hawk was launched during the 1930 Motorcycle Show at Olympia, London as their range-leading luxury model.
The amazing example you see here has not only been comprehensively restored, but also comes with continuous ownership from new. Built in 1931 on what is now recognised as the oldest surviving Silver Hawk frame, this amazing survivor has only 5 recorded owners from new, with incredibly only one owner from 1956 to 2014.
The first registered keeper was a Mr. Leslie McEvoy from Sidcup, Kent, who enjoyed his new motorcycle until 1951, after which he passed it on to a Mr. Peter Barnett from Chesham, and then to a Mr. Patrick Coates from Thames Ditton, who kept the Matchless until 1956. In 1956 the Matchless was sold to Mr. Alan Lewis, who owned the bike for 58 years. Mr. Lewis used the bike for commuting and cross-country dashes, where he found the sprung frame and flexible engine both highly capable, and very entertaining. After some years it was placed into long term storage, only to be unearthed last year. During 2014/2015 the bike enjoyed a highly comprehensive restoration, which has only just been completed. The mechanical work was undertaken by leading Matchless specialist Roger Ashby, who rebuilt the engine and gearbox, amongst other mechanical components. 
This magnificent bike is said to run very well, having had its maiden journey in early October after nearly 58 years in storage and an 18 month restoration. This motorcycle is the earliest frame recorded by the Matchless Silver Hawk register and will be sold with its original instruction book, parts book, two 1950s tax discs and restoration file. Supplied with a current V5 and original buff log book, this is a fabulous example of an iconic motorcycle, and a genuine once in a lifetime opportunity.
 

 
 
SOURCE: COYS AUCTIONNERS
 
BROUGHT TO BT: www.classicchatter.co.uk
 
 
 
 
               
 


Saturday 30 January 2016

1936 RUDGE 250 SPORTS -COYS AUCTIONS MCN MOTORCYCLE SHOW 13-02-16

Over the next few days we will be taking a look at Coys Motorcycle Show Sale which will be held on 13th February 2016 at the Excel Centre in London.
 
 
TWO WHEEL HEAVEN
FROM
 
 
Rudge 250
 
1936 RUDGE 250 SPORT

Description

Rudge motorcycles were manufactured from 1911 to 1946, and the Birmingham firm was highly regarded for its innovative engineering solutions. Rudge enjoyed a string of successes at the Isle of Man TT races during the 1930s.
This fine sporting marque was very competitive in speedway, and also trials events in the hands, and feet, of Murray’s dad Graham (Walker) Rudge’s sales manager at the time. Works supported racing and the supply of race machinery stopped around the mid thirties after the death of Rudge- Whitworth principal and driving force J.V. PUGH and subsequent sorties into autocycle production and other badly managed ventures foresaw the demise of the once proud Rudge concern in 1940.
The 250 Sport was powered by a 4-valve 249cc single with an ope-valve radial cylinder head. First registered on 18th April 1936 in Preston, this charming 250 Sport comes with recent MoTs, a buff log-book and a letter from the Rudge Enthusiasts Club stating it was first registered in Preston. In restored condition, a plethora of receipts from the late 1980s would indicate that the restoration took place around then. Having been owned in recent times by an engineer enthusuast in Hull, we’re told it “runs well”.
 
ESTIMATE: £8000 - 10000
Source: Coys Auctioneers
 
Why not visit our website at: www.classicchatter.co.uk and check out our constantly updated Events Guide
 
 
 
 


Friday 29 January 2016

1934 DARMONT TYPE V JUNIOR - BONHAMS GRAND PALAIS SALE 04/02/16




Darmont Type V Junior 1934

1934 DARMONT TYPE V JUNIOR

Darmont Type V Junior 1934Darmont Type V Junior 1934Darmont Type V Junior 1934Darmont Type V Junior 1934Darmont Type V Junior 1934Darmont Type V Junior 1934Darmont Type V Junior 1934Darmont Type V Junior 1934Darmont Type V Junior 1934Darmont Type V Junior 1934Darmont Type V Junior 1934Darmont Type V Junior 1934

Châssis n° 60051

•Très rare modèle à 4 roues
•Ancienne restauration
•A participé au Grand Prix de l'Age d'Or
•Immatriculée en France

Dérivées des Morgan britanniques, les Darmont et leurs rivales Sandford, étaient les trois roues françaises les plus connues. Les frères Robert et André Darmont commencèrent la production à Courbevoie en 1924 avec un modèle tout à fait identique aux Morgan britanniques alors déjà bien implantées. Comme leurs sœurs britannique, les trois roues de Darmont était équipées de toute une gamme de moteurs - à soupapes latérales ou a soupapes en tête, refroidis par air ou par eau –la plus rapide du lot étant la Darmont Spéciale à compresseur qui pouvait dépasser les 160 km/h. Au milieu des années 1930, Morgan et Darmont proposèrent simultanément leurs premiers modèles à quatre roues, la dernière étant équipée d'un moteur bicylindre en V de 1 100 cm3 type Blackburn et commercialisée sous le nom de « Darmont Junior ». La production de tous les modèles de Darmont prit fin avec la déclaration de guerre, en 1939.

Cette Type V Junior est bien moins connue et bien plus rare que les Darmont à trois roues. Cet exemplaire a été restauré il y a quelques années et a, depuis, bénéficié d'un entretien régulier. Elle a participé au Grand Prix de l'ge d'or à Montlhéry. Pure et simple, sportive et facile à conduire, cette délicieuse petite sportive est vendue avec sa carte grise française.

1934 Darmont Type V Junior
Chassis no. 60051

•Very rare four-wheeled model
•An older restoration
•Grand Prix de l'Age d'Or participant
•Registered in France

Derived from the British Morgan, the Darmont, together with the rival Sandford, was France's best-known three-wheeler. Brothers Robert and André Darmont commenced production at Courbevoie in 1924 with a product all but indistinguishable from the by now well established Morgan. Like its British counterpart, Darmont's three-wheelers were powered by a range of engines - sidevalve and overhead-valve, air and water cooled - the fastest of the range being the supercharged Darmont Speciale, which could exceed 160km/h. In the mid-1930s both Morgan and Darmont offered their first four-wheeled models, the latter's powered by a Blackburne-type 1,100cc v-twin engine and marketed as the 'Darmont Junior'. Production of all Darmont models ceased with the coming of war in 1939.

The Type V Junior is less well known and much rarer than the Darmont's three-wheelers. This example was restored some years ago and since completion has benefited from regular maintenance. It has participated in the Grand Prix de l'Age d'Or at Monthléry. Pure and simple, sporty and easy to maintain, this delightful little sports car is offered with French Carte Grise.

source: http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/23262

AUCTION INFORMATION

Please be aware, according to France s Vigipirate Plan, France is operating at an "Attack Alert" level. As a result, access to the Grand Palais is forbidden for luggage and bags exceeding the size of a cabin-size trolley. Any luggage brought with you should be labeled (name, address, phone number) and dropped off to the dedicated cloakroom. You will have to present a proof of ID. All luggage will be checked. Therefore, we recommend that you come to the Grand Palais without luggage or large bags.

Thursday 28 January 2016

1964 PANHARD CD COUPE - BONHAMS 04-02-16



LES GRANDES MARQUES DU MONDE 

AU GRAND PALAIS

4th FEBRUARY 2016



CD-Panhard  coach 1964

CD-Panhard  coach 1964CD-Panhard  coach 1964CD-Panhard  coach 1964CD-Panhard  coach 1964CD-Panhard  coach 1964CD-Panhard  coach 1964CD-Panhard  coach 1964CD-Panhard  coach 1964CD-Panhard  coach 1964
CD-Panhard coach 1964
Châssis n° 258

•Sportive française très rare
•Prête à prendre la route
•Immatriculée en France

René Bonnet s'était essayé à la construction automobile dès 1939, en partenariat avec Charles Deutsch, en construisant une spéciale sur base Citroën, mais l'aventure avait été mise en veille jusqu'en 1945. En 1949, le duo avait créé Automobiles DB (Deutsch Bonnet), se tournant vers Panhard pour la motorisation et les suspensions de ce qui allait former la base d'une lignée de Sport Prototypes remportant de nombreuses victoires de classe au Mans, à partir du milieu des années 1950. Le partenariat prit fin en 1961, Deutsch continuant avec des voitures à moteur Panhard, tandis que Bonnet se tournait vers Renault. L'année suivante, l'un des coaches aérodynamiques CD-Panhard allégé termina 17e au classement général, premier de sa classe au Mans, remportant l'indice de performance à la moyenne de 142, 793 km/h.

Propulsée par un bicylindre Panhard de 1 100 cm3, ce joli petit coach CD a été restauré il y a quelques années par un passionné de la marque. Le vendeur nous informe que la voiture marche parfaitement et part par la route. Symbolisant l'esprit d'innovation des meilleurs artisans français de l'époque, cette belle CD-Panhard est vendue avec des photos de sa restauration, sa carte grise française et son récent contrôle technique (avril 2015).

1964 CD-Panhard 'Coach'
Chassis no. 258

•Rare French sports car
•Ready to use
•Registered in France

In partnership with Charles Deutsch, René Bonnet first tried his hand at motor manufacturing in 1939 with a Citroën-based special, though further serious progress was curtailed until 1945. The duo formed 'Automobiles DB' (Deutsch Bonnet) in 1949, turning to Panhard for engines and suspension components that would form the basis of a highly successful series of Le Mans class-winning sports prototypes from the mid-1950s onwards. 1961 the partnership split, Deutsch continuing with Panhard-based cars while Bonnet turned to Renault. The following year one of Charles Deutsch's aerodynamic and lightweight CD-Panhard 'Coach' coupés came 1st in its class at Le Mans, finishing 17th overall and winning the 'Index of Performance' at an average speed of 142.793km/h.

Powered by a 1,100cc twin-cylinder Panhard engine, this very pretty little CD coupé was restored some years ago by a devotee of the marque. The vendor informs us that the car performs well and is ready to use. Symbolising the innovative spirit of the best French craftsmen of its era, this beautiful CD-Panhard is offered with some restoration photographs, French Carte Grise and the most recent Contrôle Technique (April 2015). 

Wednesday 27 January 2016

1953 MERCEDES BENZ 220 SEDAN - BONHAMS SCOTTSDALE 28-01-16

We continue with our pick of this week's Bonhams Scottsdale Auction to be held on the 28th, there is an eclectic mix of vehicles as you would expect in this high profile sale, and as usual these are our personal choices. please if you have any comments please let us know at: auctions.classicchatter@mail.com.


SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
28th January 2016
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa


1953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/53

1953 MERCEDES BENZ 220 SEDAN

1953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/531953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan  Chassis no. 187011.02234/53 Engine no. 180920.02947/53


Chassis no. 187011.02234/53
Engine no. 180920.02947/53

2,195cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Solex Carburetor
86bhp at 3,600rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Two registered owners from new
*20-year restoration by second owner
*Featuring Webasto sliding roof
*Just 63,000 original kilometers (39,000 miles)
*Matching numbers per factory build sheet



THE MERCEDES-BENZ 220

The 220 series (W187) was introduced in the summer of 1951 as Mercedes' new mid-range model, slotted in between the four-cylinder 170 and the top-of-the-line 300-series six. The 220 boasted the company's first all-new engine since the end of the Second World War, an over-square design that operated its valves via short rocker arms operated by a single overhead camshaft. The new 86hp in-line six was strong enough to give the 220 a near 90mph top speed. The 220 was built on a 112-inch wheelbase with a separate body and frame. The car was available in two flavors, a four-door sedan and a cabriolet. Maintaining the pre-war styling theme, the front doors were hinged at the rear which gave the car what is commonly referred to as "suicide" doors. The new 220 sedan had a large and impressive front grille with the headlights cleanly integrated into the front fenders. With its sleek styling and newly developed engine, the 220 was a great addition to the Mercedes-Benz lineup.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan may be the best example available anywhere, having had only two registered owners from new. The second owner, Harvey K. Sharpe, held the car for 50 years and spent the last 20 of those years restoring it. In a letter his widow states that while residing in Arcata, California during the early 1960s, her late husband purchased this car from its original owner, who is said to have been the head of the California Department of Transportation. Her husband, she wrote, was a "mechanical genius" who held a number of patents and designed the hydraulics for "Bruce", the monster shark in Steven Spielberg's epic film "Jaws".

About 25 years ago, appreciative of the 220's precision design and workmanship, Harvey K. Sharpe began a body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration. Today the car's condition reflects his extremely high standards from top to bottom. The paint - described as 14 hand-rubbed coats – is in beautiful condition, as is the light gray leather interior and polished hardwood throughout the cabin. The car also features a Webasto sliding fabric sunroof, a rare option for the day.

Mr. Sharpe completed the restoration in 2012, and after his passing in 2013, the car was carefully put aside and remained untouched until it was acquired by the consignor in 2014. Supplied with a correct spare wheel, jack, owner's manual, and a copy of the original Mercedes-Benz data card, this 220 is ready for fair-weather driving with its top rolled back or to become the center of attention at any Cars and Coffee or Mercedes Club gathering.

FOOTNOTES

  • Please note that this car titled with chassis number 02234.

  • Please note that this car titled with chassis number 02234.