Description
On Behalf of the Trustees in Bankruptcy
FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY – A 1952 MERCEDES BENZ 300B CABRIOLET D
- CHASSIS NO. 1860140297052
- ENGINE NO. 1869202002052
- RENOVATION BY MERCEDES-BENZ STUTTGART
The Autocar magazine, May 1952, declared that ‘A Continental test on a (Mercedes-Benz 300) production model recently made available by the manufacturers shows that the car now challenges the best produced anywhere in the world today. There are still very few saloon cars which are capable of a mean speed of over 100mph, but to obtain this result on a five/six-seater saloon car with generous room for passengers and luggage, using an engine of three-litre capacity said to deliver only 114bhp, is a notable achievement.’
Introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1951, the Mercedes-Benz 300 owed the design of its independently suspended oval-tube chassis to the 170S of 1949 and would later provide the mechanical basis for the incomparable 300SL sports car. Additional refinements appropriate for the company’s top-of-the-range luxury saloon included an improved steering mechanism and remote electrical control of the rear suspension ride height. Initially developing 115bhp (DIN), the 3-litre, overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine was increased in power for succeeding models, producing 125bhp in the 300b built between March 1954 and August 1955. Other improvements included larger brakes (with servo-assistance from 1954) optional power steering and three-speed automatic transmission as standard on the 300d. Conservatively styled, the Mercedes-Benz 300 was one of very few contemporary vehicles capable of carrying six passengers in comfort at sustained high speeds. Priced at DM24,700 in 1954, the 300b Cabriolet D was among the world’s most expensive – if not the most expensive – automobiles of its day.
‘To the characteristics of high performance, impressive appearance and fine detail finish which distinguished the big Mercedes models of pre-war days are added new virtues of silence, flexibility and lightness of control, while the latest rear suspension, a product of long experience on Grand Prix cars and touring cars, confers a degree of security at high speeds on rough and slippery surfaces which it would be very difficult indeed to equal,’ observed The Autocar.
A most worthy upholder of the Grosser Mercedes tradition of pre-war years, this rare Cabriolet D is one of only 262 of its type built on the 300/300b chassis during 1952 out of a total convertible production of 591. Manufactured at the end of 1952, we believe this car was purchased by the gentleman for who’s trustees in bankruptcy we act at a Bohnams auction in December 2012. Sadly, due to the manner through which the car has come to us, we have no documented history but understand that a prior owner had acquired it via an auction sale at Pebble Beach. It is understood that the chassis and engine numbers shown in the auction catalogue for that auction differ from the ones actually on the car but this question was addressed during 1996 and seems to have been put down to a misprint. At the time of that sale the car was described as ‘being well maintained since a complete restoration’ though there is no supporting history to confirm this.
During 1994 the car was sent to Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart for what might best be described as an extensive renovation rather than a full restoration. We gather that when sold by Bonhams the car came with a photographic record of this renovation together with detailed invoices for parts and labour totalling circa 148,000 DM (approximately £65,000-70,000) but sadly (again) this documentation has not been passed to us.
Finished in cream with matching convertible hood and red leather interior with wood trim this beautiful Mercedes-Benz cabriolet is offered in running condition having recently received a mechanical fuel pump refurb kit and replacement electric supplementary fuel system pump. We have also had a new set of keys cut for the ignition(x2), driver’s door lock, petrol cap access hatch lock, boot lock and glove box lock. The odometer shows 17093km and our research into the cars MOT history suggests this may be accurate.
Offers in excess of £110,000 are sought for this rare and impressive car.
Schedule and Notice to Purchasers
SCHEDULE AND NOTICES TO PURCHASERS
in respect of the following Sale By Private Treaty – On Behalf of the Trustees in Bankruptcy
Viewing: Viewing and inspection of the goods included in this sale will take place Monday to Friday only from 0930hrs to 1630hrs at Wyles Hardy & Co. Ley Hill Road, Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 0NW. Wyles Hardy & Co Ltd may refuse access to the viewing and inspection of the goods to anyone in its discretion without giving any reason.
Car Parking: There is limited parking at the premises. Please park having regard for other road users.
Damage: Persons attending the viewing will be held liable for any loss or damage they cause, and shall meet all costs, expenses, damages, losses and liabilities incurred in the rectification of the damage so caused, as advised by Wyles Hardy & Co Ltd.
Acceptance of Final Bid: IMPORTANT NOTE – Acceptance of all final bids is subject to prior approval by our client. Wyles Hardy & Co Ltd reserve the right to reject any bids which they feel are insufficient.
Invoicing: Invoices will be raised in the name of the registered party and due care and attention should therefore be given at the time of submitting an offer to ensure the correct details are provided. Under no circumstances will invoices be altered following their issue.
Notification: Successful offerors will be advised by email or by telephone. Upon such notification, buyers will be deemed to have been advised in accordance with 6.2 of the Conditions of Sale by Private Treaty.
Conditions of Sale: All lots or items will be sold, subject to the Conditions of Sale by Private Treaty, as shown on Wyles Hardy & Co Ltd’s website and those contained within this Schedule. Offerors are strongly advised to read them carefully and to re-visit the same from time to time to acquaint themselves with any amendments/additions.
Value Added Tax: All Lots or items are sold exclusive of V.A.T. which will be added to the Buyer’s sale accounts at the rate of 20% except those lots which are zero rated for VAT purposes as indicated.
Overseas Purchasers
On notification of the acceptance of an offer overseas purchasers must advise if the vehicle is intended for export and the destination of same and provide the following information / documents:
copy of their passport and another document confirming the identity;
details of their bankers and their UK corresponding bank;
details of their shipping agents and their UK representatives.
Value Added Tax (VAT): All lots are sold exclusive of V.A.T. which will be added to the purchaser’s sale accounts at the rate of 20% except those lots which are zero rated for VAT purposes as indicated in the catalogue.
Non E.C. Purchasers: Purchasers must advise the intention to export their purchases on offer acceptance. VAT will be levied on all purchasers at the rate of 20%. Upon receipt of a copy of the Bill of Lading detailing the purchases, a full description of the goods purchased/exported (a simple description of “box/crate” is deemed insufficient) and confirming their export outside the E.C., the VAT will be refunded. VAT will not be refunded on the buyer’s premium under any circumstances, nor where the Bill of Lading is not received within 30 days of the date of invoice. If outside the 30 day timescale purchasers will need to liaise direct with HMRC.
E.C. Purchasers: Purchasers must advise the intention for goods to be subject to an interstate transfer within the E.C. and also ensure that their local VAT registration details are provided when they first register for the sale. Upon receipt of documentary evidence giving conclusive proof that the interstate transfer has taken place the VAT will be refunded. VAT will not be refunded on the buyer’s premium under any circumstances, nor where the documentary evidence of the interstate transfer taking place is not received within 30 days of the date of invoice. If outside the 30 day timescale purchasers will need to liaise direct with HMRC.
N.B. Purchasers are solely responsible for obtaining export licences, where required.
Conditions of Sale: All lots will be sold, subject to the Terms and Conditions of sale, as shown on our website and those contained within this schedule. Bidders are strongly advised to read them carefully and to re-visit the same from time to time to acquaint themselves with any amendments/additions.
Payment Terms: All purchases are to be paid in full, no later than 48 hours from the acceptance of the offer submitted by the purchaser.
Payment to be made by :
PREFERRED METHOD OF PAYMENT – Bank Transfer: (CHAPS, SWIFT etc.) to:
Account Name: Wyles Hardy & Co Clients Account
Account No: 48914576
Bank: NatWest Bank, Harrow & Watford Branch
Sort Code: 60-00-08
Bankers Draft: Please note Wyles Hardy & Co. NO LONGER accept Bankers Drafts as payment for purchases.
All queries regarding payment should be directed to our enquiries@wyleshardy.com, quoting AG1020.
Insurance of Lots: The buyer is at risk once the buyer is notified of his successful purchases and is strongly advised to effect insurance at once, irrespective of whether title has passed. Title does not pass to the purchaser until payment has been received in full.
Buyers of motor vehicles are responsible for ensuring that prior to use on the road, that in all respects the vehicle complied with all legal requirements as to the construction and the use of such a vehicle and furthermore for obtaining all certificates, permits and other authorisations necessary. We strongly recommend that this vehicle is removed using a suitable trailer / truck, rather than being driven immediately.
Clearance of Purchases: All lots must be removed by appointment between 10am and 4pm on weekdays only from Wyles Hardy & Co. Ley Hill Road, Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 0NW at the buyer’s expense. The premises will be open from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Wyles Hardy & Co Ltd do not undertake packaging, postage, delivery or shipment of goods and the bidder must make his own arrangements to comply with the clearance terms. Clearance of all lots must be undertaken in accordance with Health & Safety at Work Regulations and, where necessary, Construction Design and Management Regulations 1994. The purchaser should ensure that their contractors hold sufficient public liability insurance, copies of which should be made available to Wyles Hardy & Co Ltd if demanded.
Transfer of Lots: Wyles Hardy & Co Ltd will only accept payment from and permit removal of lots purchased by the successful purchaser or their duly appointed agent.
Wyles Hardy & Co Ltd reserve the right to refuse to accept the bid of any bidder should they be unable to satisfy Wyles Hardy & Co Ltd on any of the above.
If you agree to the Terms and Conditions and this specific Notice to Purchasers you may register for this event. Registering for this event means you agree to both the BidSpotter.co.uk website’s Terms and Conditions and also Wyles Hardy & Co Ltd’s Terms and Conditions for this Sale.
Provision of Services Information: Wyles Hardy & Co. Ltd’s (whose trading style is Wyles Hardy & Co) principal place of business is Ley Hill Road, Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 0NW, Great Britain.
Registered in England No. 2598566, Registered Office: 9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4DJ, Great Britain. VAT Registration Number: GB579 1851 94.
Please note Wyles Hardy & Co Ltd issue self-billing invoices only.
Wyles Hardy & Co. Ltd operate a complaints handling procedure which is in compliance with the requirements of the RICS.
Professional indemnity insurance is provided by Aegis E&O Consortium 4605 and 1414 at Lloyd’s, Under Binding Contract No: B1309LM2117536537, Square Mile Underwriting, 6 Lloyd’s Avenue, London, EC3N 3AX.
