1911 Mercedes-Benz 22/40 PS Colonial
- Engine
- 5.6L T-head inline-four, dual camshafts, dual ignition, ~40 hp at 1,230 rpm
A 1911 Mercedes 22/40 PS with dual chain-drive Colonial specification, built for the Argentine market and delivered new to a Buenos Aires client via the local Mercedes agency. Documented from new, it later passed through the hands of noted Austrian-Argentine racing driver Carlo Zatuszek before entering the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1971, where it was restored and periodically exhibited. The car retains its original drivetrain, coachwork, carburetor, ignition system, and numerous period fittings, making it an unusually complete survivor of the Brass Era.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$268,800
- 1911 → 1911Factory deliveryRobert, Pusterla y Cía (Buenos Aires Mercedes agents)full documentation
Argentine Mercedes dealership for whom the chassis was originally built; the car was intended for onward delivery to a private client and was shipped via a Bremen export firm.
- 1911 →Private saleRodolfo Rothfull documentation
Buenos Aires-based mechanical engineer, professor, and historian; confirmed as first private owner by surviving dealer invoices, which also verify the car's original drivetrain and bodywork.
- 1930 →Acquisition unknownCarlo Zatuszekpartial documentation
Austrian-born Argentine racing driver, celebrated for victories in Mercedes K and SSK models; procured replacement connecting rods and bearings through a Milanese dealer in 1930.
- → 1971Acquisition unknownRicardo C. Bielerpartial documentation
Santa Fe, Argentina resident who initiated talks with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in the late 1960s, ultimately completing the sale in spring 1971.
- 1971 →Private saleIndianapolis Motor Speedway Museumfull documentation
Acquired the car in spring 1971 after a multi-year negotiation; had the car restored under museum oversight and displayed it periodically, also bringing it to outside events. Extensive correspondence documenting the purchase and transatlantic shipment survives in the history file.
Competition
- 20032003 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Car was presented at the event while under Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum ownership, as part of occasional public appearances during that stewardship.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1930MechanicalSaporiti
Replacement connecting rods and bearings were sourced through Milanese dealer Saporiti on behalf of Carlo Zatuszek.
Parts procurement is documented in the history file.
- —RestorationIndianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
A full restoration was carried out under Museum supervision following acquisition; the car retained original components including carburetor, ignition system, switch panel, hardware, fittings, flooring, and coachwork tag.
The restoration predates the sale and is described as older in presentation.
- —Service
Recent recommissioning work returned the car to good running condition ahead of the auction.
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