1910 Mercedes Simplex 3.6 Litre 30HP Coachwork by Laclaverie Gaches et Cie
' Sold New to The Prince De Manganelli '
Registration No. SV6058
Chassis No. 8837
Engine No. 11645
£POA
Following the departure of Wilhelm Maybach from Mercedes in 1907 the company, along with several others, withdrew from active participation in motor sport, but by 1908/9 were producing an excellent range of poppet valve, shaft driven touring cars. Privateers still campaigned Mercedes products in sport and in the fashionable endurance events of the time achieved major successes. Not the least of these was the magnificent 1-2-3 victory of three Mercedes 16/50 cars in the gruelling 2000 mile Tsar Nicholas St. Petersburg-Moscow-St. Petersburg Trial of 1910. This 14/30 PS model was built just weeks after that success and was indeed a new model introduced in 1910. A shaft driven, Simplex-engined car with poppet valves, to overhead inlet and side exhaust configuration, the 90mm bore x 140mm stroke engine displaced 3,562cc.
This unbelievable car was ordered by the Italian nobleman, Prince de Manganelli, in September 1910 and delivered to Parisian coachbuilders, Laclaverie Gaches et Cie., with open coachwork specified, seating four with an additional two folding occasional seats.
Curiously, under the front seat cushions, is the name of Viscontesse Dell'Estrade and one may only surmise as to the relationship between the Italian Prince and the French Viscontesse.
This extremely rare time-warp Edwardian motor car was purchased by the previous owner from the original owner's family in 1968 and acquired by the present vendor - just the third owner in the car's 88 vear history - in 1990. Remarkably the car retains its original dark grey livery, bearing the Prince's Coat of Arms on the rear doors, and original deep buttoned, brown leather upholstery.
The carburettor has at some stage early in the car's life been updated and a later Bosch magneto is fitted but otherwise the mechanical specification is as the car left the factory. All indications suggest that the car has covered very little mileage.
The car is well equipped with Ducellier oil sidelamps, Reina Zanardini acetylene headlamps, boa constrictor type bulb horn, a running board mounted "Stepney wheel and a most practical mahogany tool box, together with a rear mounted luggage carrier.
In 1995/96 the car was sympathetically re-commissioned to take part in the 1996 ElV.A. World Rally in Scotland and England, the work being entrusted to respected Mercedes specialist restorer, Eddie Berrisford. Gearbox bearings, clutch bearing and worn shackle pins were replaced, a general service and tune up were carried out and the paintwork cleaned and leatherwork repaired and renovated as required. Throughout this work maintaining originality was paramount.
Brought to market for the first time in 30 years, this 1910 VCC dated Mercedes Simplex is arguably one of the most original Mercedes cars in existence worldwide. Complete with factory build sheet, order details and an unbelievable story, this vehicle is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
