Maximilien Gagnebin
Senior Specialist
LOT 127 *P
1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K (Type W29) Coupé Coachwork by Carrosserie Vanvooren Chassis no. U105.394 Engine no. U105.394
Sold for €862,500 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 127*,P
Offered from Les Belles Endormies - The Pierre Strinati Collection
1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K (Type W29) Coupé
1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K (Type W29) Coupé
1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K (Type W29) Coupé
Coachwork by Carrosserie Vanvooren
Chassis no. U105.394
Engine no. U105.394
Coachwork by Carrosserie Vanvooren
Chassis no. U105.394
Engine no. U105.394
Engine block serial no. 102401.59
Vanvooren body no. 2933
• One-off, matching numbers
• One of only 18 W29 coupés built
• One of only a handful of W29 built with French coachwork
• Delivered new to Paris, France
• Present ownership since 1959
• Formerly on display in the Musée de l'Automobile Jean Tua, Geneva
• Outstandingly original
Sensation of the 1934 Berlin Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz's legendary pre-war 500K supercar cost a small fortune when new and today commands a king's ransom, such is its rarity. The 1930s decade was a period of unprecedented fertility in motor car styling, of which the sublime 500K represented the very pinnacle of excellence. Its timeless appeal endures to this day (the original name of the model, 'Typ 500 mit Kompressor', was later shortened to '500K').
Beneath its seemingly endless bonnet, the 500K's eight-cylinder engine developed 100bhp un-supercharged or 160bhp with the compressor engaged. The car had a top speed approaching 110mph (177km/h). After testing a 500K cabriolet in 1936, The Autocar declared: "This is a master car, for the very few. The sheer insolence of its great power affords an experience on its own."
The Mercedes-Benz 500K and its successor, the 540K, are among the most iconic models of the classic era. A total of 761 chassis of the two W29 models—the 500K and 540K—were produced at the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim plant between February 1934 and November 1939: 342 with a 5-litre engine and 419 with a 5.4-litre engine. Of these, 691 units were fitted with bodies by the "Sonderwagenbau" department at the Sindelfingen plant, while only 70 chassis were delivered to external coachbuilders for bodywork. The most popular model was the Cabriolet B, with 296 units produced, while the exclusive and dignified Special Roadster achieved a total production run of around 50 units. The various coupé variants amounted to only 12 cars, and just 6 examples of the Autobahn Kurier were built.
The chassis of the 500K and 540K had a wheelbase of 3,290 mm and was available in two versions. In addition to the standard configuration, there was a variant in which the radiator, engine-gearbox unit, steering gear and seats were moved rearwards by just over 10 cm. Roadsters, Special Roadsters, Cabriolet A and Autobahn Kurier models were built on this rearward-engine chassis, while all other body variants were constructed on the standard chassis.
According to Mercedes-Benz Classic in Stuttgart, the delivery of chassis no. U105.394 to the Paris branch was recorded in the commission book on 29 November 1934, shortly after the model's first presentation at the Paris Salon in October. Unfortunately, there is no mention of either the customer or the coachbuilder. (According to a letter from DaimlerChrysler Schweiz AG dated 27 November 2006, this car—chassis number "U105394"—was delivered new to Germany; this information has since been proven to be incorrect.)
The number 102401.59 stamped on the engine block provides the following information:
10 for the Untertürkheim plant
24 for the new M24 engine type
01 for the series
59 for the 59th engine of the first series
This corresponds with the total production of 105 units in 1934 and, together with the original engine plate no. U105.394, confirms that this car is matching numbers.
Although sales opportunities for Mercedes-Benz on the French market were limited by exorbitant import duties of 45%, the company maintained a showroom on the Champs-Élysées and regularly exhibited its latest models at the Paris Salon in October. Internal documents from the Mercedes-Benz board of directors show that attendance at the Salon was considered a "must" in order to present the brand to international customers. One way to partially circumvent import duties was to deliver bare chassis—a strategy that proved successful, as the 500K/540K chassis attracted the interest of the most prestigious coachbuilders of the time.
This particular example features a fixed-head coupé body by Vanvooren, one of the most renowned and successful French luxury-car coachbuilders of the 1930s. Carrosserie Vanvooren, based in Courbevoie in north-west Paris, bodied the majority of Hispano-Suiza chassis during this period and also designed and built numerous bodies for Bugatti, Delage, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Packard and Cadillac. These automotive gems are among the most exclusive one-off creations and can be found today in the world's most prestigious collections.
As confirmed during a thorough inspection by Vanvooren specialist Martin Waltz in December 2025, the Vanvooren body number 2933 appears in several locations on the vehicle and dates from August 1938. What happened to the chassis during the three years following its delivery from Stuttgart to Paris remains unknown. It is possible that it remained unsold during this period, but it may also have received an initial body that was later replaced in 1938. Among the Parisian elite of the 1930s, it was common practice either to purchase new cars at short intervals or to have existing ones modernised. There are countless examples of this trend, often driven by the regularly held Concours d'Élégance, which demanded the very best. Alternatively, it may simply have been a matter of a new owner with new tastes.
As was customary, Vanvooren prepared a design proposal for the customer, illustrated in Jan Melin and Sven Hernström's book Mercedes-Benz 8: The Supercharged 8-Cylinder Cars of the 1930s, Volume 2 (copies of the relevant pages on file). In addition to the spectacular front wings and the rearward-mounted engine/radiator unit, the use of a design feature introduced two years earlier by the coachbuilder Letourneur & Marchand is particularly striking: the pillarless, overlapping front and rear side windows with a rearward-sloping line. Vanvooren employed this feature on several other bodies as well. It is not known with certainty whether the car's first paintwork was dark green, as it is today; however, there is much to suggest this was the case, as the largely original all-green interior—with leather-covered dashboard and window surrounds—corresponds perfectly with Vanvooren's preference for single-colour paintwork and interiors.
It can be assumed that the Mercedes remained in France until 1947, when it first appeared in Geneva, Switzerland. That year, the Vanvooren-bodied Mercedes caught the attention of 18-year-old schoolboy Pierre Strinati. Carrying Swiss dealer plates "GE 2325," it was parked on the curb in front of Garage Verolet at 107 Boulevard de la Cluse (see pictures). Immediately fascinated, Strinati found the courage to enquire about the extraordinary vehicle, despite not yet having a driving licence. The green car was offered for sale at CHF 3,500. He photographed it and cherished the images from that moment on, never expecting to see the Mercedes again (handwritten notes and photographs by Mr Strinati are on file).
The 500K was photographed once more, this time in front of the Eaux-Vives Garage owned by Blanc & Paiches, now without a number plate (the photographer is unknown). Together with Strinati's images, these are the earliest known photographs of the car. Official importation from France to Switzerland followed the next year, as evidenced by the customs clearance certificate dated 31 July 1948 (document on file).
Eleven years later, during a visit to Montreux on the opposite side of Lake Geneva, Pierre Strinati was unexpectedly reacquainted with his dream car. Now painted black, it was driving slowly through town. He ran after it and, when it stopped in front of the "Le Pavillon" tea house, approached the driver, Kaspar Schmid—who was also the proprietor of the establishment. When Strinati asked whether he might consider selling the car, Schmid replied in the affirmative, much to his surprise. Thus, on 29 January 1959—67 years ago to the day—the Mercedes changed hands for the final time, for CHF 10,000.
This Mercedes became the first car in what would grow into one of the most remarkable private collections in the world. Strinati, the only son of a wealthy textile manufacturer, had been cultivating his passion for automotive design since the mid-1950s and, by the mid-1960s, had assembled in his private garage nearly every marque now considered a blue-chip classic. The collection included outstanding examples from Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Talbot, Voisin, Ferrari, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Horch, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lagonda, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Pegaso. Although he sold several cars during the 1980s and 1990s, he never parted with the Mercedes-Benz 500K Vanvooren, his personal favourite.
Following its purchase, Mr Strinati commissioned Carrosserie Roland Bodi to adjust the bonnet, repair the radiator, re-chrome the bumpers, repair the seats (likely referring to elements of the door panels, as the seats themselves appear completely original), and repaint the car in green—the colour it had when he first encountered it. The related quotation dated 25 February 1960 and the invoice for CHF 2,415 dated 26 April 1960 are on file. Strinati registered the Mercedes on 31 May 1960 under the number "GE 33961" and used it almost daily, often accompanied by his mother, who shared his deep affection for the car. In the 1970s, the 500K was taken out of service and placed into storage. In 1993, it was briefly exhibited at the Musée de l'Automobile Jean Tua in Geneva before being stored on axle stands in a purpose-built garage for the next 30 years.
In 2015, Martin Waltz—then researching a book on Vanvooren—wrote to Mr Strinati and inspected the 500K (documentation on file). More recently, he authored an article on the car in German, also on file.
A high-quality 1:43-scale collector's model of the car presented here is included in the sale. Released in 2014 by EMC/B&G in a limited edition of 150 examples, it is of outstanding quality—thanks in part to the support of Mr Strinati (correspondence on file).
This exceptional automobile, a unique fusion of German engineering and French design, is accompanied by an extensive archive of correspondence, period photographs, brochures, invoices and letters. Despite having been resprayed, in the 1960s, it remains in an outstanding state of originality and preservation, with the sumptuous green leather interior believed to be largely original. In recent years, the rarity, elegance and performance of these large, supercharged Mercedes models have made them among the most sought-after classic cars whenever they appear on the open market. This exceptionally well-documented example, hidden from public view for decades, is worthy of the closest inspection.
Bonhams|Cars wishes to thank Martin Waltz for his help in the redaction of this description.
Please note there is restricted bidding on this lot which requires enhanced bid verification checks. Please contact us at [email protected] or call +44 20 7447 7447 as soon as possible if you are planning to bid on this lot to prevent any last-minute delays.
Please note that if this vehicle is sold to a French private buyer or an EU private individual the reduced rate of Import VAT at 5.5% will be charged on the hammer price. The Import VAT will be invoiced to you by our custom broker who will also charge a clearance fee. If you buy as a Trader or Company however, the Finances Publiques will charge you directly (based on our customs broker clearance) and the French VAT Import Charges will not appear on your Bonhams invoice. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, you are required to pay the VAT in your registered country at the relevant rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Vanvooren body no. 2933
• One-off, matching numbers
• One of only 18 W29 coupés built
• One of only a handful of W29 built with French coachwork
• Delivered new to Paris, France
• Present ownership since 1959
• Formerly on display in the Musée de l'Automobile Jean Tua, Geneva
• Outstandingly original
Sensation of the 1934 Berlin Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz's legendary pre-war 500K supercar cost a small fortune when new and today commands a king's ransom, such is its rarity. The 1930s decade was a period of unprecedented fertility in motor car styling, of which the sublime 500K represented the very pinnacle of excellence. Its timeless appeal endures to this day (the original name of the model, 'Typ 500 mit Kompressor', was later shortened to '500K').
Beneath its seemingly endless bonnet, the 500K's eight-cylinder engine developed 100bhp un-supercharged or 160bhp with the compressor engaged. The car had a top speed approaching 110mph (177km/h). After testing a 500K cabriolet in 1936, The Autocar declared: "This is a master car, for the very few. The sheer insolence of its great power affords an experience on its own."
The Mercedes-Benz 500K and its successor, the 540K, are among the most iconic models of the classic era. A total of 761 chassis of the two W29 models—the 500K and 540K—were produced at the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim plant between February 1934 and November 1939: 342 with a 5-litre engine and 419 with a 5.4-litre engine. Of these, 691 units were fitted with bodies by the "Sonderwagenbau" department at the Sindelfingen plant, while only 70 chassis were delivered to external coachbuilders for bodywork. The most popular model was the Cabriolet B, with 296 units produced, while the exclusive and dignified Special Roadster achieved a total production run of around 50 units. The various coupé variants amounted to only 12 cars, and just 6 examples of the Autobahn Kurier were built.
The chassis of the 500K and 540K had a wheelbase of 3,290 mm and was available in two versions. In addition to the standard configuration, there was a variant in which the radiator, engine-gearbox unit, steering gear and seats were moved rearwards by just over 10 cm. Roadsters, Special Roadsters, Cabriolet A and Autobahn Kurier models were built on this rearward-engine chassis, while all other body variants were constructed on the standard chassis.
According to Mercedes-Benz Classic in Stuttgart, the delivery of chassis no. U105.394 to the Paris branch was recorded in the commission book on 29 November 1934, shortly after the model's first presentation at the Paris Salon in October. Unfortunately, there is no mention of either the customer or the coachbuilder. (According to a letter from DaimlerChrysler Schweiz AG dated 27 November 2006, this car—chassis number "U105394"—was delivered new to Germany; this information has since been proven to be incorrect.)
The number 102401.59 stamped on the engine block provides the following information:
10 for the Untertürkheim plant
24 for the new M24 engine type
01 for the series
59 for the 59th engine of the first series
This corresponds with the total production of 105 units in 1934 and, together with the original engine plate no. U105.394, confirms that this car is matching numbers.
Although sales opportunities for Mercedes-Benz on the French market were limited by exorbitant import duties of 45%, the company maintained a showroom on the Champs-Élysées and regularly exhibited its latest models at the Paris Salon in October. Internal documents from the Mercedes-Benz board of directors show that attendance at the Salon was considered a "must" in order to present the brand to international customers. One way to partially circumvent import duties was to deliver bare chassis—a strategy that proved successful, as the 500K/540K chassis attracted the interest of the most prestigious coachbuilders of the time.
This particular example features a fixed-head coupé body by Vanvooren, one of the most renowned and successful French luxury-car coachbuilders of the 1930s. Carrosserie Vanvooren, based in Courbevoie in north-west Paris, bodied the majority of Hispano-Suiza chassis during this period and also designed and built numerous bodies for Bugatti, Delage, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Packard and Cadillac. These automotive gems are among the most exclusive one-off creations and can be found today in the world's most prestigious collections.
As confirmed during a thorough inspection by Vanvooren specialist Martin Waltz in December 2025, the Vanvooren body number 2933 appears in several locations on the vehicle and dates from August 1938. What happened to the chassis during the three years following its delivery from Stuttgart to Paris remains unknown. It is possible that it remained unsold during this period, but it may also have received an initial body that was later replaced in 1938. Among the Parisian elite of the 1930s, it was common practice either to purchase new cars at short intervals or to have existing ones modernised. There are countless examples of this trend, often driven by the regularly held Concours d'Élégance, which demanded the very best. Alternatively, it may simply have been a matter of a new owner with new tastes.
As was customary, Vanvooren prepared a design proposal for the customer, illustrated in Jan Melin and Sven Hernström's book Mercedes-Benz 8: The Supercharged 8-Cylinder Cars of the 1930s, Volume 2 (copies of the relevant pages on file). In addition to the spectacular front wings and the rearward-mounted engine/radiator unit, the use of a design feature introduced two years earlier by the coachbuilder Letourneur & Marchand is particularly striking: the pillarless, overlapping front and rear side windows with a rearward-sloping line. Vanvooren employed this feature on several other bodies as well. It is not known with certainty whether the car's first paintwork was dark green, as it is today; however, there is much to suggest this was the case, as the largely original all-green interior—with leather-covered dashboard and window surrounds—corresponds perfectly with Vanvooren's preference for single-colour paintwork and interiors.
It can be assumed that the Mercedes remained in France until 1947, when it first appeared in Geneva, Switzerland. That year, the Vanvooren-bodied Mercedes caught the attention of 18-year-old schoolboy Pierre Strinati. Carrying Swiss dealer plates "GE 2325," it was parked on the curb in front of Garage Verolet at 107 Boulevard de la Cluse (see pictures). Immediately fascinated, Strinati found the courage to enquire about the extraordinary vehicle, despite not yet having a driving licence. The green car was offered for sale at CHF 3,500. He photographed it and cherished the images from that moment on, never expecting to see the Mercedes again (handwritten notes and photographs by Mr Strinati are on file).
The 500K was photographed once more, this time in front of the Eaux-Vives Garage owned by Blanc & Paiches, now without a number plate (the photographer is unknown). Together with Strinati's images, these are the earliest known photographs of the car. Official importation from France to Switzerland followed the next year, as evidenced by the customs clearance certificate dated 31 July 1948 (document on file).
Eleven years later, during a visit to Montreux on the opposite side of Lake Geneva, Pierre Strinati was unexpectedly reacquainted with his dream car. Now painted black, it was driving slowly through town. He ran after it and, when it stopped in front of the "Le Pavillon" tea house, approached the driver, Kaspar Schmid—who was also the proprietor of the establishment. When Strinati asked whether he might consider selling the car, Schmid replied in the affirmative, much to his surprise. Thus, on 29 January 1959—67 years ago to the day—the Mercedes changed hands for the final time, for CHF 10,000.
This Mercedes became the first car in what would grow into one of the most remarkable private collections in the world. Strinati, the only son of a wealthy textile manufacturer, had been cultivating his passion for automotive design since the mid-1950s and, by the mid-1960s, had assembled in his private garage nearly every marque now considered a blue-chip classic. The collection included outstanding examples from Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Talbot, Voisin, Ferrari, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Horch, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lagonda, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Pegaso. Although he sold several cars during the 1980s and 1990s, he never parted with the Mercedes-Benz 500K Vanvooren, his personal favourite.
Following its purchase, Mr Strinati commissioned Carrosserie Roland Bodi to adjust the bonnet, repair the radiator, re-chrome the bumpers, repair the seats (likely referring to elements of the door panels, as the seats themselves appear completely original), and repaint the car in green—the colour it had when he first encountered it. The related quotation dated 25 February 1960 and the invoice for CHF 2,415 dated 26 April 1960 are on file. Strinati registered the Mercedes on 31 May 1960 under the number "GE 33961" and used it almost daily, often accompanied by his mother, who shared his deep affection for the car. In the 1970s, the 500K was taken out of service and placed into storage. In 1993, it was briefly exhibited at the Musée de l'Automobile Jean Tua in Geneva before being stored on axle stands in a purpose-built garage for the next 30 years.
In 2015, Martin Waltz—then researching a book on Vanvooren—wrote to Mr Strinati and inspected the 500K (documentation on file). More recently, he authored an article on the car in German, also on file.
A high-quality 1:43-scale collector's model of the car presented here is included in the sale. Released in 2014 by EMC/B&G in a limited edition of 150 examples, it is of outstanding quality—thanks in part to the support of Mr Strinati (correspondence on file).
This exceptional automobile, a unique fusion of German engineering and French design, is accompanied by an extensive archive of correspondence, period photographs, brochures, invoices and letters. Despite having been resprayed, in the 1960s, it remains in an outstanding state of originality and preservation, with the sumptuous green leather interior believed to be largely original. In recent years, the rarity, elegance and performance of these large, supercharged Mercedes models have made them among the most sought-after classic cars whenever they appear on the open market. This exceptionally well-documented example, hidden from public view for decades, is worthy of the closest inspection.
Bonhams|Cars wishes to thank Martin Waltz for his help in the redaction of this description.
Please note there is restricted bidding on this lot which requires enhanced bid verification checks. Please contact us at [email protected] or call +44 20 7447 7447 as soon as possible if you are planning to bid on this lot to prevent any last-minute delays.
Please note that if this vehicle is sold to a French private buyer or an EU private individual the reduced rate of Import VAT at 5.5% will be charged on the hammer price. The Import VAT will be invoiced to you by our custom broker who will also charge a clearance fee. If you buy as a Trader or Company however, the Finances Publiques will charge you directly (based on our customs broker clearance) and the French VAT Import Charges will not appear on your Bonhams invoice. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, you are required to pay the VAT in your registered country at the relevant rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Footnotes
1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K (Type W29) Coupé
Coachwork by Carrosserie Vanvooren
Chassis and engine no. U105.394
Engine block serial no. 102401.59
Vanvooren body no. 2933
• Exemplaire unique, matching numbers
• L'un des seuls 18 coupés W29 construits
• L'un des très rares W29 carrossé en France
• Livré neuf à Paris, France
• Mȇme propriétaire depuis 1959
• Anciennement exposé au Musée de l'Automobile Jean Tua, Genève
• Etat d'origine exceptionnel
Sensation du Salon de l'Automobile de Berlin 1934, la légendaire Mercedes-Benz 500K coûtait une petite fortune à l'état neuf et commande aujourd'hui des sommes royales, tant elle est rare. Les années 1930 furent une décennie d'une fertilité sans précédent en matière de style automobile, dont la sublime 500K représenta le sommet absolu de l'excellence. Son attrait intemporel perdure jusqu'à ce jour (le nom original du modèle, « Typ 500 mit Kompressor », fut ensuite abrégé en « 500K »).
Sous son interminable capot, le moteur huit cylindres de la 500K développait 100 ch sans compresseur et 160 ch avec le compresseur enclenché. La voiture atteignait une vitesse de pointe proche de 110 mph (177 km/h). Après avoir essayé un cabriolet 500K en 1936, The Autocar déclara : « C'est une voiture magistrale, réservée à une élite. L'insolence pure de sa grande puissance procure une expérience à part entière. »
La Mercedes-Benz 500K et sa descendante, la 540K, comptent parmi les modèles les plus emblématiques de l'époque. Au total, 761 châssis des deux modèles W29 — 500K et 540K — furent produits à l'usine de Stuttgart-Untertürkheim entre février 1934 et novembre 1939 : 342 avec un moteur de 5 litres et 419 avec un moteur de 5,4 litres. Parmi ceux-ci, 691 reçurent des carrosseries réalisées par le département « Sonderwagenbau » de l'usine de Sindelfingen, tandis que seuls 70 châssis furent livrés à des carrossiers indépendants. Le modèle le plus populaire fut le Cabriolet B, avec 296 exemplaires produits, tandis que l'exclusif et majestueux Special Roadster atteignit une production totale d'environ 50 unités. Les différentes versions coupé ne représentèrent que 12 voitures, et seulement 6 exemplaires de l'Autobahn Kurier furent construits.
Le châssis des 500K et 540K possédait un empattement de 3 290 mm et était proposé en deux versions. Outre la configuration standard, il existait une variante dans laquelle le radiateur, l'ensemble moteur-boîte, la direction et les sièges étaient reculés d'un peu plus de 10 cm. Les Roadster, Special Roadster, Cabriolet A et Autobahn Kurier furent construits sur ce châssis à moteur reculé, tandis que toutes les autres variantes de carrosserie utilisaient le châssis standard.
Selon Mercedes-Benz Classic à Stuttgart, la livraison du châssis n° U105.394 à la succursale de Paris est enregistrée dans le registre des commandes le 29 novembre 1934, peu après la première présentation du modèle au Salon de Paris en octobre. Malheureusement, aucune mention n'est faite ni du client ni du carrossier. (Selon une lettre de DaimlerChrysler Schweiz AG datée du 27 novembre 2006, cette voiture — châssis n° « U105394 » — aurait été livrée neuve en Allemagne ; cette information s'est depuis révélée incorrecte.)
Le numéro 102401.59 frappé sur le bloc moteur fournit les informations suivantes :
10 pour l'usine d'Untertürkheim
24 pour le nouveau type de moteur M24
01 pour la série
59 pour le 59ᵉ moteur de la première série
Cela correspond à la production totale de 105 unités en 1934 et, conjointement avec la plaque moteur d'origine n° U105.394, confirme que cette voiture est bien matching numbers .
Bien que les opportunités commerciales de Mercedes-Benz sur le marché français aient été limitées par des droits d'importation exorbitants de 45 %, la marque maintenait un showroom sur les Champs-Élysées et exposait régulièrement ses derniers modèles au Salon de Paris en octobre. Des documents internes du conseil d'administration de Mercedes-Benz montrent que la présence au Salon était considérée comme « indispensable » afin de présenter la marque à une clientèle internationale. L'un des moyens de contourner partiellement les droits d'importation consistait à livrer des châssis nus — une stratégie couronnée de succès, car les châssis de 500K/540K attirèrent ainsi l'intérêt des carrossiers les plus prestigieux de l'époque.
L'exemplaire qui nous occupe ici a reçu une carrosserie coupé signée Vanvooren, l'un des carrossiers français de luxe les plus renommés et les plus prospères des années 1930. La Carrosserie Vanvooren, basée à Courbevoie, au nord-ouest de Paris, carrossa la majorité des châssis Hispano-Suiza de cette période et conçut également de nombreuses carrosseries pour Bugatti, Delage, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Packard et Cadillac. Ces joyaux automobiles figurent parmi les créations uniques les plus exclusives et se trouvent aujourd'hui dans les collections les plus prestigieuses du monde.
Lors d'une inspection approfondie par le spécialiste Vanvooren Martin Waltz en décembre 2025, celui-ci a confirmé que le numéro de carrosserie Vanvooren 2933 apparaît à plusieurs endroits sur le véhicule. Il date d'août 1938. A ce jour, on ne sait malheureusment pas ce qu'il advint du châssis durant les trois années suivant sa livraison de Stuttgart à Paris. Il est possible qu'il soit resté invendu durant cette période, mais il se peut également qu'il ait reçu une première carrosserie, remplacée ensuite en 1938. Parmi l'élite parisienne des années 1930, il était courant soit d'acheter régulièrement des voitures neuves, soit de moderniser celles déjà possédées. De nombreux exemples en témoignent, souvent motivés par les Concours d'Élégance, qui exigeaient l'excellence absolue. Il peut également s'agir, plus simplement, d'un nouveau propriétaire aux goûts différents.
Comme c'était l'usage, Vanvooren prépara une proposition de dessin pour le client, illustrée dans l'ouvrage de Jan Melin et Sven Hernström Mercedes-Benz 8 : The Supercharged 8-Cylinder Cars of the 1930s, Volume 2 (copies des pages concernées au dossier). Outre les spectaculaires ailes avant et l'ensemble moteur/radiateur reculé, l'emploi d'un élément stylistique introduit deux ans plus tôt par le carrossier Letourneur & Marchand est particulièrement frappant : les vitres latérales avant et arrière sans montant, se chevauchant, avec une ligne plongeante vers l'arrière. Vanvooren utilisa également cette caractéristique sur plusieurs autres carrosseries. Par ailleurs, il n'est pas établi avec certitude que la première teinte de la voiture fût vert foncé, comme aujourd'hui ; toutefois, de nombreux indices le suggèrent, notamment l'intérieur largement d'origine entièrement vert — avec tableau de bord et encadrements de vitres gainés de cuir — qui correspond parfaitement à la préférence de Vanvooren pour les peintures et intérieurs monochromes.
On peut supposer que la Mercedes demeura en France jusqu'en 1947, date à laquelle elle apparut pour la première fois à Genève, en Suisse. Cette année-là, la Mercedes carrossée par Vanvooren attira l'attention de Pierre Strinati, alors écolier de 18 ans. Munie de plaques de garage suisses « GE 2325 », elle était stationnée devant le Garage Verolet, sis au 107 boulevard de la Cluse, sur le trotoir (voir photos). Immédiatement fasciné, Strinati osa s'enquérir de ce véhicule extraordinaire, bien qu'il ne possédât pas encore de permis de conduire. La voiture verte était proposée à la vente pour CHF 3,500. Il la photographia et conserva précieusement ces images, sans jamais imaginer revoir un jour la Mercedes (notes manuscrites et photographies de M. Strinati au dossier).
La 500K fut photographiée une nouvelle fois, cette fois devant le garage des Eaux-Vives appartenant à Blanc & Paiches, désormais sans plaque d'immatriculation (photographe inconnu). Avec les images de Strinati, il s'agit des plus anciennes photographies connues de la voiture. L'importation officielle de France vers la Suisse suivit l'année suivante, comme en atteste le certificat de dédouanement daté du 31 juillet 1948 (document au dossier).
Onze ans plus tard, lors d'une visite à Montreux, de l'autre côté du lac Léman, Pierre Strinati redécouvrit par hasard la voiture de ses rêves. Désormais peinte en noir, elle circulait lentement en ville. Il la poursuivit et, lorsqu'elle s'arrêta devant le salon de thé « Le Pavillon », il aborda le conducteur, Kaspar Schmid, également propriétaire de l'établissement. Lorsque Strinati lui demanda s'il envisagerait de vendre la voiture, Schmid répondit positivement, à sa grande surprise. Ainsi, le 29 janvier 1959 — il y a exactement 67 ans — la Mercedes changea de mains pour la dernière fois, pour la somme de CHF10,000.
Cette Mercedes devint la première voiture de ce qui allait devenir l'une des plus remarquables collections privées au monde. Strinati, fils unique d'un riche industriel textile, nourrissait sa passion pour le design automobile depuis le milieu des années 1950 et, au milieu des années 1960, avait réuni dans son garage privé presque toutes les marques aujourd'hui considérées comme des classiques de premier plan. La collection comprenait des exemplaires exceptionnels de Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Talbot, Voisin, Ferrari, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Horch, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lagonda, Jaguar, Aston Martin et Pegaso. Bien qu'il ait vendu plusieurs voitures dans les années 1980 et 1990, il ne se sépara jamais de la Mercedes-Benz 500K Vanvooren, sa préférée.
Après son acquisition, M. Strinati confia à la Carrosserie Roland Bodi le soin d'ajuster le capot, de réparer le radiateur, de rechromer les pare-chocs, de restaurer les sièges (ceci fait probablement référence à certains éléments des panneaux de portes, les sièges eux-mêmes semblant entièrement d'origine) et de repeindre la voiture en vert — la couleur qu'elle arborait lors de leur première rencontre. Le devis correspondant, daté du 25 février 1960, ainsi que la facture de CHF 2,415 datée du 26 avril 1960, sont conservés au dossier. Strinati immatricula la Mercedes le 31 mai 1960 sous le numéro « GE 33961 » et l'utilisa presque quotidiennement, souvent accompagné de sa mère, qui partageait son profond attachement pour la voiture. Dans les années 1970, la 500K fut retirée de la circulation et placée en stockage. En 1993, elle fut brièvement exposée au Musée de l'Automobile Jean Tua à Genève, avant d'être conservée sur chandelles dans un garage spécialement construit à cet effet pendant les 30 années suivantes.
En 2015, Martin Waltz — alors en train de préparer un ouvrage sur Vanvooren — écrivit à M. Strinati et inspecta la 500K (documentation au dossier). Plus récemment, il a rédigé un article en allemand sur la voiture, également conservé au dossier.
Un modèle réduit, à l'échelle 1:43, de la voiture présentée est inclus dans la vente. Édité en 2014 par EMC/B&G en une série limitée de 150 exemplaires, il est d'une qualité exceptionnelle — notamment grâce au soutien de M. Strinati (correspondance au dossier).
Cette automobile d'exception, mariage unique de l'ingénierie allemande et du design français, est accompagnée d'une vaste archive comprenant correspondances, photographies d'époque, brochures, factures et lettres diverses. Malgré une nouvelle peinture, effectuée en 1960, elle demeure dans un état remarquable d'authenticité et de conservation, l'opulent intérieur en cuir vert étant considéré comme en grande partie d'origine. Ces dernières années, la rareté, l'élégance et les performances de ces grandes Mercedes à compresseur en ont fait l'un des modèles les plus recherchés lorsqu'ils apparaissent sur le marché. Cet exemplaire exceptionnellement bien documenté, conservé à l'abri du public pendant des décennies, mérite l'inspection la plus minutieuse.
Bonhams|Cars tient à remercier tout particulierement Martin Waltz pour son aide dans la rédaction de cette description
Purple Paddle Lot: Veuillez bien noter que ce lot est soumis à des conditions spécifiques pour pouvoir enchérir nécessitant des vérifications supplémentaires. Si vous envisagez d'enchérir sur ce lot, veuillez nous contacter à [email protected] ou appeler le +44 20 7447 7447 dès que possible afin d'éviter tout délai dans votre enregistrement.
Veuillez noter que, si ce véhicule est vendu à un acheteur français privé ou à un particulier membre d'un pays de l'UE, le taux réduit de TVA d'importation de 5,5% sera appliqué au prix d'adjudication. La TVA d'importation vous sera facturée par notre courtier en douane qui vous facturera aussi des frais de dédouanement. Toutefois, si vous achetez en tant que marchand ou que société, les Finances Publiques vous factureront directement (sur la base du dédouanement effectué par notre courtier en douane) et la TVA française d'importation n'apparaîtra pas sur la facture que Bonhams vous délivrera. Veuillez noter que, si vous achetez en tant que société de l'UE, vous devez payer la TVA dans votre pays d'immatriculation, au taux en vigueur. Les taux pour importation dans les autres pays de l'UE peuvent varier, et il vous sera facturé des frais administratifs relatifs à la préparation des opérations de dédouanement. Pour toute question relative au dédouanement, veuillez contacter le département Motorcar de Bonhams ou les sociétés de transport que nous recommandons.
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