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Soon after the merger of Mercedes and Benz, the two started developing the world's fastest sports cars and the Saoutchik Torpedo roadster is one of them. Fortunately, some customers had the great intuition to order Mercedes- Benz's finest chassis to send it to Saoutchik in Paris.

At the time Mercedes-Benz had their own Sindelfingen factory for producing bodywork which was generally superior to anything else on the market. Saoutchik was probably the only independent body builder that could rival the best from Mercedes.

In Paris, Jaques Saoutchik created easily his most striking pre-war car on the 680 S-type chassis. The design took advantage of the Type 680's low slung chassis and did without running boards. Furthermore a low windshield, tasteful chrome accents and a sophisticated disappearing top added dramatic effect to sporting character of the chassis.

Inside, these cars were crafted to include intricate wood appointments, a giant wood-rimmed Mercedes-Benz steering wheel and reptile-skin upholstery.

Originally Saoutchik bodied 18 Torpedo Roadsters, 12 on the 680 S-Type chassis and six rarer short-wheel-base verions on the SS-type chassis.

Chassis & Sales

Chassis 40156 - One of the Saoutchik Torpedos was initially ordered by Mrs. Levine of France in and unusual cream color. Her original sale did not go through and the new car remained on the showroom floor in New York for some time. It was later purchased by Frederick Henry Bedford who included with his stable of fine cars. In 1952, his unfortunate death meant that the car was stored on blocks for over thirty years. At Mrs Bedford's 75th birthday the family decided to restore the car and it came out the Reuters shop two years later presented in its original cream body with a dark red frame and suspension, red leather interior and tan cloth top.

In recent times the Bedfords kept the car at the Owls Head Transportation Museum but it is now being sold for the first time ever. Christies will sell it at their upcoming Auction at the Monterey Jet Center on August 17th 2006 at 7:00 pm. They describe the sale: ''A classic of impeccable history, breeding and provenance, its style, rarity and brutal supercharged performance combine to make this a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a one family owned, Mercedes-Benz 26/120/180 Typ S with sensuous, striking coachwork by Saoutchik.''

At Crisites Sale of Collectors' Motorcars on August 17th 2006 at the Monterey Jet Center California, 40156 sold for $3645000 USD. This was followed up the Bonhams Automobiles d'Exception at the Retromobile Salon, Porte de Versailles, Paris, 9 Feb 2008 when 40156 sold for €2,100,000 plus Premium and tax.

35968-Sold originally to Robert Lee Slaughter of New York and later joined the Dieter Holterbosch Collection in Connecticut. Still painted in its original colour of black with lizard skin interior. Displayed at the 2009 Retromobile show by Lucas Huni.

Story by Richard Owen