1977 Mercedes-Benz C111-III

Rare Mercedes Prototype Damaged in High-Jacking Attempt

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Crimes and Misdemeanors

A rare Mercedes-Benz prototype being transported from the company's headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, to its museum in Brooklands, England, was reportedly the target of a robbery attempt when criminals tried to hijack the truck in which it was contained. The vehicle in question, a 1970s-era C111-III, suffered some damage to its front fender and gullwing doors, but has since been repaired.

The C111 served as a rolling test-bed for the German automaker during the 1960s and 70s, setting various land speed records with a number of different engine configurations. The example in question, however, is purely a display piece with no engines, leaving us to wonder where exactly the thieves thought they were going with the priceless automobile.

Gallery: 1977 Mercedes-Benz C111-III