Vintage car that survived World War 2 hits auction for £770k after spending 50 years on display in a museum
A BEAUTIFULLY restored vintage car is set to fetch £770,000 at auction after spending five decades on display in a Danish museum.
The Special-Roadster-Style 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500 K, which remarkably survived the destruction of World War II, underwent significant rebuilding to return to its original glory.
This stunning classic is one of only 342 models ever built and has a rich, fascinating history.
Originally suffering severe damage during the war, it was later purchased in the 1960s by Baron J.O. Raben-Levetzau, the owner of Denmark’s Aalholm Automobile Museum.
The Baron commissioned a full restoration of the car’s damaged body, where it became a star exhibit for 50 years before the museum’s closure in 2012.
The car was subsequently bought by a private collector who oversaw a meticulous seven-year refurbishment.
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The work paid off, as the vehicle went on to win four best-in-show awards, earning accolades from car enthusiasts, including features by renowned TV personalities Jay Leno and Dona.
Now, the car is up for auction again, boasting a 5.1-litre M24 inline-eight engine, producing 160 horsepower with a roots-type supercharger, and a four-speed manual transmission.
Despite being 90 years old, it has only 43,000 miles on the clock, making it an irresistible piece for collectors.
Finished in striking burgundy with tan leather upholstery and a dark brown convertible top, the 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500 K is not only a testament to German engineering but also a piece of history.
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Luxury Auto News described the vehicle, which boasts a 5.4litre engine, as “an exquisite blend of vintage elegance and mechanical excellence.”
Hosting the auction, Bring a Trailer highlighted the car’s resilience and remarkable journey through time.
The company said: “The car survived WWII, though its body was severely damaged.
"Thanks to a complete restoration in the 1960s and again in recent years, it stands today as a piece of automotive art.”
With such an exceptional backstory and restoration, this Mercedes-Benz is expected to capture the attention of collectors worldwide, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic and valuable pre-war vehicles.
Another Special Roadster was sold for $6.6million (£5.3million) at an auction in Arizona, United States.
A spokesman for auctioneers RM Sotheby's said: "The 540 K Special Roadster is regarded by many as the high point of the classic era among German automobiles.
"It reflected the restless pursuit of perfection by Mercedes-Benz's engineers, technicians, craftsmen, and coachbuilders.
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";It is among the most instantly recognisable, valuable, and desirable of all automobiles built during the classic era, and acquiring one is an instant mark of discerning taste and prestige for any collector.
"It has a wonderful story and is an excellent restoration.
"We are delighted with the price it achieved."
