This rare Mercedes could sell for nearly R2-million in SA!

Sandton - There are few sets of wheels more elegant than a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220S Coupe, and one with a very special pedigree will be auctioned off for an estimated R1.9 million at an auction in Johannesburg on November 17.

What makes this coupe so special? Less than 1300 were built and several were owned by aristocracy.

The classic Mercedes up for auction was imported to South Africa 57 years ago.

Imported to SA

Stephan Welz & Co car specialist, Jack Rosewitz, said: "This very rare Mercedes was imported to the Union of South Africa in 1958 as a special order for Mary Oppenheimer.

"She owned the car for a short period of time and apparently did not like the column shift. The car was then sold to the wealthy Prowse family (the daughter, Juliet Prowse was a world famous dancer and actress) and remained in their hands until the early 2000's when it was bought by Steve Rademeyer."

Mercedes-Benz only built 1251 and a number were bought by aristocracy; even King Juan Carlos of Spain was gifted one by his father, as well as many famous actors and politicians.

Rosewitz said: "This is a very rare car - the Ponton coupes and cabrios were rather exclusive hand-built luxury cars. Of the two, fewer coupes were built and of the coupes built, there were only a couple of Right-Hand Drives (RHD).

Classic cars have appreciated more than any other investment item, says Rosewitz.

A ten-year survey by Knight Frank (November 2014) showed collectible cars have appreciated by 469%, followed by gold coins at 254%, art at 226% and London property at 135%.

Anyone who can’t attend the auction in person can bid for pieces online.

Do you own a rare or classic car? Know of any vintage vehicles being auctioned? Email us.

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