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1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K La Baule Torpedo Transformable

  • Coachwork by Saoutchik
  • Chassis Number: 385133
  • Engine Number: 60793
  • Style Number: 60793
This 1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K 'La Baule' Torpedo Transformable wears coachwork by Jacques Saoutchik. Saoutchik had trained as a carpenter, became a master of complex mechanisms, and would patent designs for a larger convertible top that would disappear completely within a car's bodywork.

In 1928, Saoutchik introduced the 'La Baule' Torpedo Transformable which incorporated his patented disappearing top. It was named for the northwest Atlantic seaside town where important concours were held. The disappearing top design of the 'La Baule' used a three-position top that could be set fully open, fully closed, or with only the driver's compartment for formal use.

The 'La Baule' design was applied to a variety of chassis, but perhaps most successfully to Mercedes-Benz, perfectly complimenting its mighty single-overhead-camshaft, 6.3-liter, six-cylinder engine.

This particular example, kommission no. 40926, was delivered on August 23rd of 1928 to Carrosserie Saoutchik to receive its 'La Baule' coachwork. Its original owner is not known, but it is believed to have been delivered to a buyer in the United States, as its earliest known history is from 1943 when it made an appearance in the film, Above Suspicion, as part of the Pacific Auto Rentals fleet. For approximately four decades, Pacific Auto Rentals supplied unusual automobiles to Hollywood film studios, and at one point, owned two 630 Ks in this style.

The 630K was later acquired from the Pacific Auto Rentals fleet by M.L. 'Bud' Cohn of Southern California. The car was featured in an article Mr. Cohn penned on his collection in the July-August 1964 issue of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America Star. Mr. Cohn notably stated that the original owner was the 'French Ambassador,' implying it would have been Paul Claudel who was the Ambassador to the United States from 1926 to 1933.

In the early 1970s, Mr. Cohn sold the 'La Baule' to the Craven Foundation of Ontario. When the Craven Foundation was dispersed in the early 1980s, the Mercedes was sold to the Blackhawk Collection of Danville, California. Around this time, it was restored to its present appearance featuring a two-tone blue livery, contrasted to an interior finished in the Saoutchik tradition with a combination of high-quality leather and multi-tone embroidered fabric.

After the restoration was complete, the car was displayed in the Blackhawk Museum for many years before joining its present owner in 2016.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2021

2023 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $800,000-USD $1,000,000 
Sale Price :
USD $731,000

2021 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,100,000-USD $1,250,000 
Lot was not sold

2016 Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,000,000-USD $1,300,000 
Sale Price :
USD $973,500

1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Mercedes-Benz 630K

(Data based on Model Year 1928 sales)
1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K 'La Baule' Torpedo Transformable
Chassis#: 38513
Sold for USD$731,000
  2023 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction
1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K image  1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K image  
1928 Mercedes-Benz 630 Tourer
Chassis#: 35861
Sold for USD$1,069,797
  2021 RM Sothebys : London
 
1928 MERCEDES-BENZ 630K LA BAULE TRANSFORMABLE
Sold for USD$973,500
  2016 Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K image  1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K image  
1928 Mercedes-Benz Model 630K Tourer
Chassis#: 35407
Sold for USD$1,220,201
  2013 Bonhams - The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale
 

Mercedes-Benz 630Ks That Failed To Sell At Auction

1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1928 MERCEDES-BENZ 630 K LA BAULE TORPEDO TRANSFORMABLE3851332021 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction $1,100,000$1,250,000
1928 Mercedes-Benz Model 630K Sports Tourer354192020 Bonhams : The Autoworld Autumn Sale   

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1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K

Additional valuation insight and sales data
History
Specifications
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Other Mercedes-Benz 630K model years

1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K Vehicle Profiles

1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K vehicle information
La Baule Torpedo Transformable
Coachwork: Saoutchik
Chassis #: 385133
Engine #: 60793
1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K vehicle information
Town Car
Coachwork: Murphy