1930 Mercedes-Benz 710 SS Tourer

This 710 SS, with its enlarged 7.1-liter engine, was ordered by British Mercedes Ltd. in October 1929 and delivered the following spring by Gordon Watney & Co. to gentleman sportsman Gilmour Smith of Glasgow. Smith then commissioned Cadogan Motors of Fulham, London, to produce its tourer coachwork. According to longtime English Mercedes-Benz Club registrar Ronald H. Johnson, Smith retained his prized car until 1954, when he sold it to another enthusiastic caretaker. Noteworthy later owners included the early American Mercedes collector Carter Schaub and Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone. In its present ownership since 2007, the car has undergone a sympathetic complete restoration, with the body refinished in its correct grey color, and the original dashboard and interior very carefully treated to preserve their wonderful patina. Its current condition is very similar to how it appeared in Glasgow in 1930.