1928 Mercedes-Benz 680 S Torpedo-Sport roadster by Saoutchik
- Engine
- 6.8L supercharged inline-six SOHC, dual carburettors; 120 bhp naturally aspirated, 180 bhp supercharged
- Colour
- Dove grey
The 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680 S, chassis 35949, is a rare surviving example of the Type S series — one of only 124 built — bodied by Parisian coachbuilder J. Saoutchik as a Torpedo-Sport roadster with a disappearing hood, German Silver fender trim, and a dark red lizard-skin interior sourced from French colonial Southeast Asia. Originally commissioned by Charles A. Levine, the transatlantic aviation entrepreneur, it was instead sold through Mercedes-Benz New York, displayed at the 1929 New York Auto Salon, and subsequently acquired by Standard Oil director Frederick Henry Bedford Jr., for whom the car played a romantic role in his courtship of his future wife.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate €6,500,000 – €8,000,000
- 1928 → 1929Acquisition unknownMercedes-Benz New Yorkpartial documentation
The dealership retained the uncollected custom vehicle and displayed it at the 1929 New York Auto Salon, also featuring it in a contemporary magazine advertisement.
- 1928-08-01 → 1928Factory deliveryCharles A. Levine (commissioned, never collected)full documentation
Chassis delivered to Saoutchik in August 1928 per a commission in Levine's name, though his wife reportedly placed the actual order. The couple never collected the finished car, leaving it with the New York dealership.
- 1929 →Private saleFrederick Henry Bedford Jr.partial documentation
Approached by the dealership's sales team who knew the Bedford family had previously bought a Mercedes; accepted an attractive offer. The car played a role in his courtship of his future wife, Margaret Stewart.
Competition
- 19291929 New York Auto SalonDisplayed as part of the Mercedes-Benz stand
The car was used as a showroom exhibit piece after the original buyers failed to collect it, and it also appeared in a related motor magazine advertisement of that year.
Maintenance & restoration
No maintenance or restoration records.
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