Last Monday, 10th February, the celebrated Mercedes-Benz collection of Rolf Meyer was auctioned at Paris Retromobile and proved to be a great success. All the lots were sold, many over estimate, and a record value of 9.799.622 euro was achieved in total for the sale.

The high point of the auction was without a doubt a 1929 Mercedes SSK sold originally to Julio Berndt - team colleague and brother-in-law of the Argentine racingdriver Carlo Zatuszek. In 1929 Zatuszek drove many important 500 mile races with the SSK in Argentina, the Cordoba Grand Prix, the "Spring Trophy" of 1930 and the Grand Prix of Argentina; to name but a few. In 1935 Zatuszek sold the SSK, which was then driven by drivers such as Alfredo Olivari (1936-1942) and Louis Brosutti (1947-1958). The car may be one of the most historically interesting racing cars in the history of Mercedes Benz. And this fact was reflected in the price - 3,082,488 euros.

Also in the sale was a green 500K Cabriolet, from 1936. This car, chassis number 820605, also had a lot of interest, finally selling for 921.660 euros. 451,000 euros bought a 500K Cabriolet Mulliner.

Another rare item was the Mercedes Benz 710SS, a car developed by none other than Ferdinand Porsche. This car, another milestone in the history of the marque, achieved an auction price of 843.288 euros.

For a total contrast one must look at the ex-Marshal Tito, 1971 Mercedes Benz 600 Landaulet. With an estimate of 60.000-100.000 euros, onlookers were amazed when the car was finally hammered down at 350.644 euros. Whether the price was a result of its famous former owner, or whether this represents a resurgence of interest in the model, either way it is a significant milestone for a Landaulet and must raise the price of any cars currently for sale - if you can find one.

For a full results, see the Provisional Auction Results.

Text: J.Philip Rathgen

Fotos:Artcurial