Bonhams Brooklands Bonhams Classic Car Auction
01.12.2010
E lvis Presley got the same at the beginning of the 1970s two top models from the Stuttgart star manufacturer ordered. One for its headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, and one for its branch in Beverly Hills, California.
The best car of its time
With the Mercedes-Benz 600, the 'King' bought the best car of its time, according to almost all motor journalists. The car is a masterpiece of engineering and marks a new chapter in automotive history with air suspension, the comfort hydraulics with hydraulic front and rear seat adjustment and hydraulic window lifters, a heating and ventilation system that can be regulated by electric motors, air conditioning and outstanding workmanship no vehicle for him yet, only a few after him.
The Mercedes-Benz 600 was built around 2,680 times between 1964 and 1981. The clientele were mostly royalty and celebrities. Elisabeth Taylor, Herbert von Karajan, Udo Jürgens, Coco Chanel, Emperor Hirohito owned one of the exclusive vehicles. The large Mercedes was also often used as a state limousine.
Elvis Presley, the car fanatic
Elvis Presley was known to be a real car fanatic, a Mercedes 600 was not enough for him, he ordered two copies within just a few months. The King of Rock'n'Roll could easily lose his composure when buying a car. It is said that he bought 14 vehicles in one day.
The Mercedes-Benz 600, which will be auctioned at Bonhams on December 6, 2010, was bought by Elvis Presley in 1970 from the Robertson Motors dealer in Memphis, Tennessee. The vehicle registration document is issued in the name of Elvis Aaron Presley and is part of the history of the vehicle, which the highest bidder also bought.
After Elvis Presley's death, the Mercedes-Benz 600 was returned to the dealer Robertson Motors, who received a certificate from Mercedes-Benz about the famous previous owner. It says: 'This large Mercedes 600 was leased by Elvis Presley from Robertson Motors, Memphis, Tennessee.'
Extensive documentation
The current owner bought the Mercedes-Benz 600 from Robertson Motors and imported it to Great Britain. The vehicle was repainted, the bumpers were re-chrome plated and the wheels repainted. Otherwise the 600 is in the condition in which it was delivered to Elvis Presley.
TheThe highest bidder receives extensive documentation with a workshop manual, spare parts catalogs, the original operating instructions, an unstamped check booklet, an original advertising brochure, two license plates (650 CNT and 1ELVIS), a photo with Elvis Presley and this vehicle, as well as other documents.
The auction house Bonhams set the estimate at 150,000 to 200,000 pounds (178,196 to 237,595 euros). However, significantly higher auction proceeds are expected.
