1908 Mercedes Simplex 35 PS Carden-Wagen


Details

We are delighted to offer a 1908 Mercedes Simplex 35 PS Carden-Wagen.

This is a unique opportunity to acquire a rare classic. This car has a fascinating history and is believed to be
the first “shaft driven” Mercedes and the only surviving 1908 “shaft driven” Mercedes Simplex in the world.

The car is offered for sale on behalf of the family of a deceased estate.

The current family has owned this car for some thirty years during which time it was restored.

This car is Wagen No. (chassis number) 371 and engine number 2662.

All that is known of the history of this car is as follows:

– it found its way to Queensland, Australia in the early 1900’s.

– in 1932 the car was purchased from a rural motor dealership in
outback Queensland and transported to the owners nearby property. At
the time the car was not running.

– the car sat on this property for many years. The property was sold
in 1964 and the owner’s son took the car with a view to restoring it.

– the car continued to sit for many years until it was sold to a
family friend in 1982.

– we believe that in 1985 the head of the Mercedes Benz Museum Mr Max Van Peine
visited Australia to inspect the car. At the time Mr Van Peine commented that this was a very significant
car being the first Mercedes that was “shaft driven” and the only
model to have two crown wheels and two pinions.

– the car has been rebodied in Australia in a Roi des Belges style

– the chassis, mechanicals, wire wheels and all the lights and dash board instruments are believed to be original.

– the original timber used for the dashboard/windscreen frame in 1908 was blackwood from the Black Forest in Germany. During the restoration the owner imported blackwood from the Black Forest in Germany to re manufacture a new dashboard to continue the
authenticity of the car.

– the restoration of the car was only recently completed (although it took 25 years in total!) and the car is now offered for sale on behalf of the family.

 

 

 


Specification

  • Mercedes
  • 1908
  • Convertible
  • Manual
  • ?
  • 4 cylinder 35 hp

SOLD

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