THREE-POINTED STARDOM GOES TO THE HIGHEST BIDDERS

RM AUCTIONS LIFTS GAVEL ON MERCEDES-BENZ AUTOMOBILES IN MONTEREY • RM Auctions presents Mercedes-Benz motor cars at auction, August 19-20 in Monterey • Offering headlined by a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster • Three vehicles from the Lyon Family Collection • RM taps Mercedes-Benz Classic in Germany to review vehicles in-person EVENT—RM Auctions will celebrate the 125th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz at its Monterey, California sale next month by presenting what it hopes to be the most important collection of Mercedes-Benz motor cars ever offered at public auction. The highly-anticipated two-day sale, scheduled August 19-20, will present 13 examples from the German marque, spanning over 80 years of production.

Headlining the offering is a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster, chassis 154140 from the private collection of Sam and Emily Mann, recently displayed at the gala opening of Mercedes-Benz’s new Manhattan flagship store. One of a select few built with the preferred configuration of high door, long tail and covered rear spare, of which it is believed just three examples survive. RM hopes the rare 540 K will establish a new world record for a Mercedes-Benz sold at auction. The 540 K is surrounded by a series of four other big supercharged eight-cylinder Mercedes from the 1930s – each boasting some histories – including three automobiles from the Lyon Family Collection, along with a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A offered from private ownership. The Canadian-based auction house is working with Mercedes-Benz for the presentation of these five vehicles, with each recently inspected in person by veteran experts from Mercedes-Benz Classic in Germany. “We are thrilled to celebrate Mercedes-Benz’s heritage in their 125th anniversary year by presenting some of their most reputed automobiles from the 1930s,” says Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions. “In addition, we are delighted to have the support of the Mercedes-Benz Classic team, and we are grateful to the team in Germany for making the trip Stateside to share their expertise and inspect each vehicle.” Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic in Stuttgart, Germany, adds, “These vehicles are historical treasures from the1930s and the auction is a great celebration of Mercedes-Benz longevity and legacy over the past 125 years.”

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Roadster, chassis 105380 ‘The Berlin Motor Show Car’ Chassis 105380 represents an example from the top of Mercedes’ product offering in the mid-30s. Completed in February 1935,105380 was immediately shipped to Berlin where it was displayed as the centerpiece of the Mercedes-Benz stand at the Berlin Motor Show. Soon after, it was sold to its first owner, Hans Friedrich Prym, eventually passing through a succession of well-known collectors. Today, it is offered from the distinguished Lyon Family Collection, where it has been assiduously maintained for many years. (Estimate: $4,000,000-$5,000,000)

1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Coupe, chassis 130944 ‘The 1936 Paris Salon Car’ Displayed at the Paris Salon in 1936, chassis 130944 is another magnificent example of Sindelfingen’s creativity and style. One of a limited few coupes built on the Mercedes-Benz 540 K chassis, its coachwork and styling features saw it shine as one of the standout features at the Paris Salon that year. Following the display, 130944 was sold to its first owner, Jean-Claude Solvay of the Belgian chemical company dynasty, eventually making its way to the United States in the 1960s. Today, just four owners from new, its upcoming sale, complete with a copy of its original build sheet, represents a rare ownership opportunity for discerning collectors. (Estimate: $3,250,000 – $4,500,000)

1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster, chassis 408383 Featuring one-off ‘Spezial’ coachwork, 408383 is a great illustration of Mercedes-Benz’s most desirable eight-cylinder model. Specially commissioned by the Horn Brothers, proprietors of an exclusive boutique in Berlin, it differs from other 540 Ks through its range of unique styling cues, including teardrop fenders and tapered rear deck. As a late example of the 540 K, it also features a five-speed transmission with overdrive fifth speed, as introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1939. Beyond its unusual attributes, 408383 boasts an interesting history. After going into hibernation during World War II, it eventually resurfaced in the Soviet Union during the late 1960s where it had been stored at a Soviet Generals’ summer house. A numbers-matching example, it is presented today in its correct shade of black and is considered a bridge between the classic Mercedes-Benz 540 K and the company’s more modern, streamlined concepts of the fifties. (Estimate: $3,500,000-$4,500,000)

RM’s roster of supercharged 1930s Mercedes is rounded out by the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A, chassis 130945, one of a limited few transitional 500 K-540 K Sport Cabriolet A models. Featuring the then-newly introduced 540 K motor, it was delivered to its first owner, Maria Leyder of Stuttgart in 1936, eventually making its way to the United States following the war. Today, the subject of a 100-point restoration, it has received numerous awards on the show field, including at Pebble Beach and Forest Grove. In addition, it has successfully competed twice in the Monte Carlo Historic Rally, finishing first place in both 1991 and 1994. (Estimate Available Upon Request)

Other notable Mercedes entries for RM’s August 19-20 sale include: an important 1924 Mercedes-Benz 28/95 Sport Phaeton, one of only a handful in existence; a pair of 300SL Coupes from the 1955 and 1956 model years; and a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, representing the company’s more recent designs. Beyond the auction cars, in celebration of their 125th anniversary Mercedes-Benz will showcase a number of historical Mercedes-Benz vehicles during this year’s Pebble Beach Concours weekend including a display of prewar grand prix cars. RM’s Mercedes-Benz offering will be complemented by a host of other blue-chip automotive marques as the auction and restoration company continues its track record on the Monterey Peninsula. In 2010, RM achieved top honors during the Monterey classic car week, posting the highest auction results of the week with $67 million in total sales and an impressive 95 percent of all lots sold, along with clinching four ‘Best of Shows’ in 10 years at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. A full list of Mercedes-Benz automobiles on offer at RM’s 2011 Monterey sale, including complete catalog descriptions is available online at www.rmauctions.com/mercedes. Additional sale information is available by visiting www.rmauctions.com or calling +1 519 352 4575. For further information on Mercedes-Benz Classic, visit www.mercedes-benz-classic.com. Event details – RM Monterey Sale dates: August 19, 2011 6:30pm – 11:00pm PST August 20, 2011 6:30pm – 11:00pm PST Preview dates: August 17, 2011 10:00am – 8:00pm PST August 18, 2011 10:00am – 8:00pm PST August 19, 2011 10:00am – 8:00pm PST August 20, 2011 10:00am – 8:00pm PST Location: Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940 Admission: General admission is available for $40.00 per person for an event pass, which grants one person access to the preview days. An official auction catalog is available for an additional $120.00 US although it does not constitute admission to the auctions. Bidder registration is $200 and includes an official auction catalog and admission for two to the preview, reception and auction. For those interested in participating but unable to attend in person, RM offers a range of remote bidding options including absentee, Internet and telephone bidding. In addition, RM’s Monterey sale will stream live online at www.rmauctions.com to provide real-time coverage of the auction.