Supercars.net

July 18th, 2006-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.

In Paris, Jaques Saoutchik created a magnificent Torpedo bodies for the chassis which is easily his most striking pre-war designs. 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 completely disappearing top added dramatic effect to sporting character of the chassis.

Inside, these cars were crafted to include intricate wood appointments and features a giant wood-rimmed Mercedes-Benz steering wheel. Later, one was updated with reptile-skin after the its first and only restoration.

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.

Story by Supercars.net