Istorie
Only 83 Cabriolet „A” cars were built, and it has always been readily accepted in the market that, with their superb proportions and neat hoodline when raised, they figure in the pecking order of Mercedes coachwork only just below the showstopping Roadsters and Special Roadsters.
The car was acquired at auction by the Ecclestone Collection in Monaco, in May 2000. The car won the „Best of Show” award at the annual Romanian Concours D’Elegance held in Sinaia in 2018.
Full description
Only 83 Cabriolet „A” cars were built, and it has always been readily accepted in the market that, with their superb proportions and neat hoodline when raised, they figure in the pecking order of Mercedes coachwork only just below the showstopping Roadsters and Special Roadsters.
Chassis number 169363 is a comparatively late car, delivered to a Dutch client in the autumn of 1937 with Sindelfingen Cabriolet A coachwork. Though the subsequent wartime and postwar history is unclear, the car is known to have been acquired by Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts Al and Sandra San Clemente in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.
During the ownership, chassis 169363 was subject to a magnificent five-year restoration, finished in stunning brilliant red, with matching red leather interior. The coachwork was restored by Armando Picinino with chrome by Guy C. Roberge of Auto Re-Croming. The black soft-top hood was made by Henry DeSantis.
After several international Concours victories, Chassis 169363 was acquired by the well-known collector Michel Roquet. In 1999, Mr. Roquet required the fabrication and set of a new radiator and a mechanical service at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre, which brought it to an exceptional operating condition to complement the fastidious restoration completed by the San Clementes.
The car was acquired at auction by the Ecclestone Collection in Monaco, in May 2000. It was part of this renowned collection for seven years, until 2007, when it was purchased for the Heselden Collection.
Equipped with chrome wire wheels mounting the appropriate blackwall tires, chassis 169363 has two side-mounted spare wheels in steel housings. The Bosch lighting includes a stunning pair of cowl-mounted spotligts and a centre-mounted driving light. The interior upholstery, carpets, dashboard, instruments, and the switchgear are in an exceptional condition. The interior woodwork is outstanding.
Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands and Jack Warner of Warner Brothers Studios owned similar models.
This car won the „Best of Show” award at the Concours D’Elegance held in Sinaia in 2018 and won the first place in the “Pre-war Cabriolet” category.
This unit has 49,485 km on board.
