sl

Bonhams Brings Baumberger Collection to Auction in Gstaad

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Though lacking the gullwing doors that made it famous, the Roadster version of the classic Mercedes-Benz 300SL remains as sought-after by collectors as the winged coupe. And one particularly desirable example is set to cross the auction block next month in Gstaad, Switzerland.

One of only 209 examples made with the aluminum engine, this 1962 model was part of the collection of one Peter F. Baumberger, a noted gentleman racer, collector and enthusiast, founder of the Ferrari club in Switzerland. Baumberger passed away last year, and his collection of 19 automobiles will go to the highest bidder without reserve at the Bonhams event on August 20. Pre-sale estimates place the SL – the highlight of the collection – at around half a million.

Gallery: 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - Baumberger Collection

Tags: 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, Baumberger, bonhams, gstaad, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, sl, switzerland

Blacker than Black: Brabus Vanish Mercedes SL

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

There's an epic history to all-powerful, super-fast Mercedes. Recent highlights have included the SLR McLaren, the new SLS AMG, and this, the SL65 AMG Black Series. With a solid carbon-fiber roof and a 670-horsepower turbocharged V12 engine, the SL Black is one of the fastest cars ever to wear the three-pointed star. But one discerning client in Dubai wasn't satisfied, so he turned to eminent Benz tuner Brabus for an answer.

What they came back with is what you see here: the Brabus Vanish. Upgrading the turbochargers, gearbox, brakes and exhaust has yielded 800 horsepower, looking menacing in its matte black paint scheme. Try not to like it too much, though, as this was a one-of-a-kind creation.

Gallery: Brabus Vanish