1928 Mercedes-Benz 370 S Mannheim Sport Cabriolet
- Engine
- 3.7L inline six-cylinder, dual carburetors, 75 bhp
The Mercedes-Benz 370 S Mannheim Sport Cabriolet (chassis/engine 87058) is an early example of the first touring model produced by the merged Daimler-Benz concern, bodied in the desirable two-seat Sport Cabriolet configuration. Originally ordered through the Vienna agency for an Austrian aristocrat, it passed through noble European ownership before arriving in the United States in the early 1960s. It became a centrepiece of San Francisco's Mercedes-Benz community under Jules Barsotti, founder of European Motors, winning Best in Class at the 1977 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and appearing in the 1986 Mercedes-Benz Centennial Exhibition at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$330,000
- 1960 → 1966Private saleAllen Bishoppartial documentation
Long-standing Mercedes-Benz Club of North America member based in Deerfield, Illinois. His purchase brought the car to the United States.
- → 1960-02-25Acquisition unknownRudolf von Hudolinfull documentation
Austrian nobleman based in Salzburg, recorded in the original Austrian registration document. Sold the car in early 1960.
- 1960-02-25 → 1960Private saleKoos Blakesteinpartial documentation
Subsequently relocated to the Netherlands and advertised the car for sale to American buyers in a September 1960 magazine, using a photo from the Austrian registration booklet.
- 1966 →Private saleJules Barsottifull documentation
Founder of what became Mercedes-Benz of San Francisco; acquired the car in Chicago for $6,000, with the transaction arranged by Martin Swig. Undertook a cosmetic and mechanical restoration with his father's help, later commissioned a full restoration, and displayed the car extensively before eventually placing it in long-term storage.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryCount Ferdinand of the Arco-Zinneberg familyfull documentation
Original recipient of the car, ordered via the Mercedes-Benz agent in Vienna for delivery to his residence in St. Martin im Innkreis, Austria. Confirmed by factory commission sheet and Austrian registration records.
Competition
- 19721972 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Car was exhibited at the concours while owned by Jules Barsotti.
- 19731973 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance3rd in Class
Following this result, concours co-chair Jules Heumann encouraged Barsotti to pursue a thorough restoration.
- 19771977 Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceBest in Class
Achieved after a four-year restoration effort that included a period when the car was taken by a former employee before being recovered.
- 19861986 Mercedes-Benz Centennial Exhibition
Displayed at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County as part of a six-month exhibition marking the marque's centenary; also appeared at the 1986 Pebble Beach Concours special classes for the anniversary.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1966Restoration
A limited cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment carried out by Barsotti with assistance from his father, a skilled fabricator, after acquisition. The car was subsequently placed on display in the dealership showroom.
Described as a brief rather than comprehensive effort; a fuller restoration was later recommended by Concours co-chair Jules Heumann.
- —Restoration
A thorough four-year restoration undertaken after Jules Heumann encouraged a proper refurbishment. The process was complicated by the car being removed by a former employee and later recovered before completion.
Restoration was completed in time for the 1977 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where the car won Best in Class.
- —Service
Thorough mechanical recommissioning noted as necessary following extended storage; no specific work has yet been carried out.
Car has not been driven for some years and remains in storage; a full mechanical service is recommended before use.
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