 1927 Model S | 1929 Model S  |
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1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Torpedo Roadster Coachwork: Saoutchik Engine Num: 72151 |
At the 2006 Christies auction, held at the Monterey Jet center, the one-owner car was auctioned where it was estimated to fetch between $3 and $4 million dollars. Of the 53 items offered for sale, 39 found a new home totaling a combined income of $9,651,608. The Saoutchik Roadster sold for $3,645,000.
When first created, the Mercedes-Benz 680 S Torpedo Roadster was one of the fastest sports cars ever created. It was a product of the recent merger between Mercedes and Benz and continued their reputation for building sporty vehicles. Saoutchik in Paris finished the design in a striking Torpedo body which is truly one of the finest creations of its day.
The Type 680 has a low slung chassis and is void of running boards, further improving the vehicles sporty characteristics. Chrome accent pieces and a low windshield helped complete the ensemble of sport and sophistication. The drop top makes the vehicle suitable for all weather conditions. The interior is elegant with wood trim and comfortable and plush seating.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007
 |  |  | Saoutchik Cabriolet Coachwork: Saoutchik Chassis Num: 35964 Engine Num: 72166 |
The Model S was the ultimate supercar of the late 1920s; wîth its powerful 6.8-liter engine it was both a race car and a fast road car, winning at the Nurburgring in 1927. This 1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S was first delivered to Mercedes Benz, New York in 1928. It was sent to be shown at the Los Angeles Motor Show as a rolling chassis wîth the hopes to lure wealthy Hollywood socialites. From this showing some famous personalities purchased Model S cars like The Rowe Sister's, Al Jolson, who bought two one for himself and one for his wife, actress Ruby Keeler. After the Motor Show Chassis 35964 was sent to Saoutchik Carrosserie in Paris to have a Cabriolet body built for its first owner Count de la Bastille of Monaco. There are only 7 Saoutchik bodies on left hand drive 'Model S' chassis', each being slightly different from the others. The current owner, who has had the car since 2005, has taken great pride in reconditioning it to her former glory. This unique open cabriolet has wonderful wood accents around the tops of the doors and along the rear deck lid. The cars engine, gearbox, and rear axle have been recently rebuilt, wîth very little mileage on them. The exterior is freshly painted in a high gloss black and all the bright work has been plated. The interior, trimmed in fresh black leather, is stunning, and the dash has been complete restored and is not only beautiful, but fully functional.Source - Blackhawk Collection
 |  |  | Tourer Chassis Num: 35947 Engine Num: 71819 Build Num: 40647 |
The supercharged overhead cam six-cylinder now displaced 6.8 liters, and produced over 180 horsepower when the blower was engaged. Twin carburetors and double ignition were enlisted to retain the power up to the maximum 3,000 RPM. Power was fed through a multiple disc clutch to a four-speed transmission and could propel the 2,800 lb. chassis to well over 100 mph. During the two-year run of 1927-1928, just 146 Type 'S' were built.
This was originally owned by Al Jolson and subsequently by noted designer Brooks Stevens. The car was purchased from Stevens by Don Williams in 1990. The car was in mint condition when purchased in 1990. In 1991 the car was completely restored by Mike Fennel Restorations.
The 6.8-liter 'S' models were built from 1927 through 1928 and were the victorious favorites of world famous drivers. They also scored highly at international auto salons where experts proclaimed this model 'the last word in motor car design.' The Type S was the ultimate supercar of the late 1920s, driven by Barney Oldfield, Al Jolson and Harold Vanderbilt, among others.Source - Blackhawk Collection |  |  | Armbruster Roadster Coachwork: Armbruster |
 |  |  | Boattail Speedster Coachwork: Murphy Chassis Num: 35313 |
| Sold for $3,740,000 at 2010 Gooding & Company. | |||
The Type S offered 'silent streams of super-power' and 'comfort to carry you to the ends of the earth' as advertised by Mercedes-Benz. The Type S was lower, lighter and more powerful than the predecessor Model K, with a supercharged 6.8 liter, 6-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower. It was built for sport and was the most powerful automobile sold in the US at that time. Only 146 units were produced.
During its era, the Mercedes-Benz S-Type was the ultimate high-performance car. This example, chassis number 35313, was commissioned by retired railroad executive and Santa Barbara resident Albert Isham. It was delivered to Santa Barbara on May 11th of 1928. Part of the purchase price included trading in his Bugatti Grand Prix racing car. The car was then sent to Walter M. Murphy Coachbuilders in Pasadena where it received its one-off Boattail Speedster coachwork. The exterior of the car was finished in a light color, possibly gray of ivory, with darker wheels, whitewall tires, wind wings and a minimal soft top.
This car appeared in several films in the early 1930s and was owned by Zeppo and Chico Marx. It was involved in a race in 1932 where $25, 000 was bet and the Mohave Desert event was attended by many Hollywood dignitaries. It lost the race as a result of worn spark plugs.
Years later, the car was in the care of the Marx Brothers, followed by a gentleman by the name of Eddie Brewster. At some point, the car was modified, first by having the original fenders bobbed, possibly by Bohman & Schwartz, followed by several other minor changes.
By the 1970s, the S-Type had migrated north to the Bay Area.
Currently, the car is finished in white with blue pinstripes. It looks similar to the way it looked when it ran full speed along the dry lake bed in 1932. It is an undisturbed example that still has its engraved Murphy cap still be found on the pivot point on the windscreen.
Under the bonnet is a 6.8-liter, single overhead cam motor with a Roots-type blower. The interior features a two-tone, blue and white interior that is keeping with its period as a Southern California custom.
In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $3,740,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2012
Ferdinand Porsche designed the S-Type for Mercedes-Benz in 1927. The racer was constructed using pre-existing road version Mercedes vehicles, mainly the 400 and 630 models. The names of these vehicles came from their displacement size in liters. For example, the 400 had a four liter engine while the 630 had a 6.3 liter engine, both were equipped a supercharger and six-cylinders. The engine was one of the most appealing attributes of these vehicles. The drawbacks that robbed the vehicles of performance were its size, weight and basic suspension system. A cushy suspension and large size was ideal for luxury vehicles that carried the elite in society, but at the track the vehicles were in need of more performance characteristics. An attempt was made to enhance the sporty nature of the 630 by shortening the wheelbase, which brought about the 'short' (Kurz) version. This drastically improved the vehicles sporty appeal but more was needed to enhance the handling. Mercedes answer to this problem was the S-Type version which saw the chassis lowered and the engine moved back. This improved the vehicles balance. To improve its performance, the engine capacity was enlarged to 6.8 liters. Thus, the 680 S was born.
The Nurburgring 1000 km race debuted in 1927. The track is challenging with it 172 turns and 25.6 km length. The track tests both the driver and the vehicle in all scenarios such as power, braking, and cornering. At the first Nurburgring race it was the 680 S that emerged victorious, a true testament to the vehicles capabilities.
Future versions of the S-Type followed such as the 700 and 710 SS which saw horsepower ratings in the 225 range. Most were considered road going cars but there was little to distinguish a car that was meant for the track and one that was meant for the road. Obviously, the vehicles fitted with luxurious coachwork never saw any track time but the roadsters, speedsters, and coupes (for example) could be used for dual purposes.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2007
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe Nurburgring 1000 km race debuted in 1927. The track is challenging with it 172 turns and 25.6 km length. The track tests both the driver and the vehicle in all scenarios such as power, braking, and cornering. At the first Nurburgring race it was the 680 S that emerged victorious, a true testament to the vehicles capabilities.
Future versions of the S-Type followed such as the 700 and 710 SS which saw horsepower ratings in the 225 range. Most were considered road going cars but there was little to distinguish a car that was meant for the track and one that was meant for the road. Obviously, the vehicles fitted with luxurious coachwork never saw any track time but the roadsters, speedsters, and coupes (for example) could be used for dual purposes.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2007
| Edsel Ford's Speedster Stars at 'The Amelia' | |
 | Edsel Ford's 'continental car', a custom boattail speedster, will take its rightful place in the Sports Car Class of the 18th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. In the shape of Edsel's seminal speedster is the genesis of Ford's legendary design department. Edsel Ford was hardly 'a chip off the old block'. The acorn fell well away from the mighty oak that was Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company. Edsel was not just the President of Ford, he was a car guy to his core. His ta...[Read more...] |
| 1999 European Grand Prix: The First and Last | |
 | When Johnny Herbert signed with the brand new Stewart-Ford Racing team many believed Herbert to have missed out on his opportunity at success in Formula One. In fact, many would see a great divide between him and the obvious number one driver Rubens Barrichello. However, on the 26th of September Herbert would show he still had some fight within and would actually be the one to earn a very important first for the team. Herbert's Formula One career would go through something of a renaissance af...[Read more...] |
| 1958 German Grand Prix: So Close Never Felt So Good! | |
 | On the 19th of July, at the 11th RAC British Grand Prix, Roy Salvadori would climb to the 3rd step on the podium. It would be the greatest result of his career in Formula One and it would be a most exuberant moment for the man from Dovercourt joining two other Brits on the podium of their home grand prix. However, it would be the race just two weeks later that would provide Salvadori with one of his greatest, and most disappointing, moments in Formula One. Salvadori's World Championship debut...[Read more...] |
| 1957 Italian Grand Prix: A True Nobleman Stands Amongst Two of F1's Most Noble | |
 | The sea of spectators overwhelming the circuit would be a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold. The vast majority of this horde was there to celebrate the car adorned in red finishing in the top three. The car's driver, a true royal, would stand amongst the crowd as if standing amongst adoring and loving subjects. For the first time in his career, Wolfgang von Trips would be able to count himself amongst the elite of Formula One. Wolfgang von Trips had been born into a noble German family in ...[Read more...] |
| 1958 Moroccan Grand Prix: British All the Way | |
 | After years of frustration, and well past his life-expectancy, Mike Hawthorn would be on the verge of his first World Championship. This was more than likely Hawthorn's last and best hope at a World Championship title. Just one last race, and a fellow Brit, would separate Hawthorn from his World Championship. Emotionally, Hawthorn was done. The last few seasons had seen Hawthorn fail to experience anywhere near the level of success he had even in his rookie year of 1952. In 1952, with an unde...[Read more...] |
 1928
Mercedes-Benz
models |
| Mercedes-Benz 630K |
| Mercedes-Benz 680S |
| Mercedes-Benz 710 SS |
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| Mercedes-Benz: 1921-1930 |
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| 1927 Model S | 1929 Model S |
