1938 Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B

While the 540K Cabriolet would be amongst the most famous and valuable of all pre-war Mercedes-Benz, there would be one cabriolet model that would be far rarer. That would be the 230 Cabriolet B.

The Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B would consist of four seats and two doors. In many respects it was the perfect car for enjoying a trip around the countryside. With the cabriolet top providing great perspective and panoramic views, the 230 would be the perfect touring automobile.

A perfect example of the Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B being the perfect road-trip automobile would be chassis 480130. Purchased brand new in 1938 by Mr. Gregor Ziemer, the Cabriolet would become an immediate member of the Ziemer family and would carry the members on a number of adventures throughout Germany, even a trip to Holland.

Mr. Ziemer taught at the American School in Berlin. He would use the Cabriolet on a number of family trips and would enjoy some beautiful moments amidst the ever-increasing darkness of pre-war Germany.

The Cabriolet would also find itself as part of history when Mr. Ziemer would use the car to travel across the border into Czechoslovakia to report for an American newspaper on the annexation. Ziemer and the Cabriolet would cross the border, literally, just hours before the German Army.

However, the carefree and sunshine days of family road trips would begin to get lost in the reality of Nazi Germany. As a result, the Ziemers would leave Germany in 1939 and would settle in Lake City, Minnesota, which was near Mrs. Edna Ziemer's family.

Mr. Ziemer would be of great value given his experiences under Nazi rule. As a result, he would be commissioned as an officer in the US Army. His posting would be as a war correspondent with none other than General George Patton's 4th Armored Division in the 3rd Army.

Following the conclusion of the war, the family would be interested in getting back to its carefree ways and the Cabriolet was just what the family needed. Numerous family trips, even parades, the Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B, which would be known as 'Old Gal', would have a busy life.

Mr. Ziemer would end up passing away in 1982. The car that had been so much a part of the family's life would be stored away until 1993 when it would be finally shipped to Ziemer's daughter in Palos Verdes, California. The car would be later given to her daughter and son-in-law living in Malibu. The car remained in good working order but the many years of use would certainly show.

During the late 1990s, 480130 would undergo restoration. The process would take the better part of a decade, if not longer. When completed, the car would be finished in bone and tan. The upholstery of the car would be burgundy. Every color would be factory-available colors from 1937. The work would be rewarded when displayed at the 2008 Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance. Entered in the Pre-War European Class, the Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B would come away with a third place result.

Truly a member of the Ziemer family, 480130 would be offered at the 2013 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction for the very first time. Old Gal would be made available for fun touring for the first time in 75 years.

Still fitted with historic badges on the grille, original custom-fitted luggage, original wheel rims, radiator cover and many other original documents and literature the Cabriolet would be drawing estimates ranging from $125,000 to $150,000. However, when the bidding was finished, the 1938 Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B would earn $220,000.

Sources:
'Lot No. 30: 1938 Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B', (http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1938-mercedes-benz-230b-cabriolet/). Gooding & Company. http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1938-mercedes-benz-230b-cabriolet/. Retrieved 28 August 2013.

By Jessica Donaldson