Description
Carrying cabriolet coachwork, chassis number '27241' was sold new in Germany on 9th November 1924 and then shipped to Romania. Seized by the authorities in the 1950s, the Mercedes remained in a Romanian museum for the next 30-or-so years before being retrieved by the first owner's son and returned to Germany circa 1989. In 1991 the car was sold to Mr Curtis Graf of Irving, Texas, USA. Mr Graf had the Mercedes professionally restored from the ground upwards and drove it in various events including 'The Great American Race' in 1991 and 'Mille Miglia of Colorado Grande' in 1992.
The car's next owner, noted Mercedes collector Mr Rolf Meyer of Germany, purchased it in the late 1990s and subsequently participated with the car in the 2000 edition of the Mille Miglia retrospective and, before doing so, had the engine overhauled by his mechanic. Mahle pistons were installed and the crankshaft, oil pump and valves replaced with new components. It should be noted that the carburettor, (larger) supercharger and ignition system are not original, while the gearbox and (repaired) radiator are the car's original components.
At some time the original cabriolet body had been replaced with the two-seater sports body the car carries today, which was patterned on an actual 1924 Sportwagen and is similar to that of the sports model in the Stuttgart museum. Finished in white with black hood, the body is mounted on the original chassis, which has been shortened. Other notable features include alternator electrics, a modern air filter, a cartridge-type oil filter, twin electric cooling fans, and a Hadco distributor.
Tom Scott Senior purchased the Mercedes at the Artcurial auction in Paris, France in February 2003. Kept on static display as part of the owner's private collection of fine Mercedes-Benz motor cars, this 10/ 40/ 65 has recently been recommissioned by Jim Stokes Workshops and comes with their detailed report and invoices totalling £5, 428. Works undertaken included changing the oils, coolant, and the battery. JSW's report states: "The vehicle drove OK, both the clutch and the gearbox are operating correctly. Caution must be taken due to the poor braking efficiency." JSW were pleased that the car was brought into operational condition with little difficulty, while listing further works that may be required to meet full and frequent road use. JSW would be pleased to advise the successful purchaser on such matters. Accompanying paperwork includes a copy of the 2003 auction catalogue description and invoice; copy Texas Certificate of Title; history from Texas Motor Works; a selection of restoration photographs; old German Fahrzeugbrief; and a FIVA Identity Card.
