1931 Mercedes-Benz 370 S

Sold for $671,000 at 2014 RM Auctions - Amelia Island.
Daimler and Benz joined forces in 1926, creating Daimler-Benz A.G. To symbolize this union, a new logo was created. The Mercedes three-pointed star was placed inside of a circle with the names 'Mercedes' and 'Benz' around it, bordered with a pair of laurel branches. The union between these two German companies meant there was now a pair of factories at their disposal. The 'Mannheim'-designated Mercedes-Benz were built at the Benz Works facilities in Mannheim, Germany, while thee 'Stuttgart' cars were built at the Daimler factory in Stuttgart.

Both companies had a reputation for creating sporty cars and the union only helped strengthen this characteristic.

The Mannheim line-up was introduced in the early 1930s as a replacement to the Type 35. It was designed by Ferdinand Porsche while working at Mercedes-Benz and created by Hans Nibelung. Power came from an inline six-cylinder engine offering 75 horsepower which was sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual gearbox. The car had a top speed in the neighborhood of 70 mph.

Only 183 370 S Mannheims were built, all of which were Cabriolets or Roadsters, and they attracted an impressive clientele, including race driver Rudolf Caracciola.

This example features dual rear-mounted spares, giving it the proper Continental appearance. This car bears kommission number 67628, was delivered through the Daimler-Benz branch in Berlin to its first owner on June 8, 1932. The ownership history has been traced back to the early 1950s, when it was in the care of Joe Loecy, of Ohio. Mr. Loecy later sold the car to Ernest J. Toth Sr., also of Ohio. Mr. Toth and his son spent several years restoration the Mercedes-Benz to its original condition. The car's mechanicals was completely rebuilt, and they refinished the body in black and red. The inside features black leather upholstery and the wheels were painted and had polished aluminum rims.

This car was shown in regional CCCA activities during the late 1960s, resulting in becoming a Senior award winner.

Currently, the odometer shows 30,100 kilometers. The engine is a 3,689cc inline six-cylinder engine fitted with dual carburetors. There is a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive and four-wheel mechanical brakes.