In a momentous event for automotive history, a 1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP ‘Roi Des Belges’ a precursor to the Mercedes-Benz brand, achieved a remarkable sale price of $12,105,000 at a Gooding & Company auction during the 2024 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
This sale marks one of the highest prices ever recorded for a vehicle manufactured before 1930. The car, reminiscent of the one depicted in illustrations, is a rare find, being one of only five surviving examples from an original production batch of 102 units.
Remarkably, it has remained within the same family for an astounding 121 years, adding to its storied lineage.
Originating from the esteemed Simplex line crafted by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft, the 60 HP variant debuted in 1903, known for its imposing size and powerful performance, appealing to the upper echelons of society.
Commissioned by Emil Jellinek under his daughter’s name, Mercedes, for branding, this luxurious vehicle was intended to redefine holiday road trips for affluent industrialists across Europe. Equipped with a robust 4-cylinder engine displacing 9.3 liters, the 60 HP model garnered praise from enthusiasts and early racers alike.
Initially acquired by Alfred C.W. Harmsworth, a prominent figure in the newspaper industry and an avid automotive enthusiast, the car boasts a rich racing history, including appearances at prestigious events like Nice Speed Week.
Under Harmsworth’s ownership, the vehicle underwent meticulous enhancements, receiving a bespoke body by French coachbuilder J. Rothschild et Fils. Retaining its original license plate, A 740, issued by the London City Council in 1903, the vehicle continued to captivate audiences for generations.
The Vehicle finally found a home at the Beaulieu Motor Museum in Hampshire, U.K., where it remained on display until the 1960s.
Maintained within the same family for over a century, this 1904 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP holds unparalleled originality and a meticulously documented history, making it highly coveted among discerning collectors worldwide.
This distinguished automobile, one of only five surviving examples of the original 60 HP Mercedes model, holds a significant place in automotive history. Originally commissioned for Alfred Harmsworth, it achieved notable feats at events such as Nice Speed Week and Castlewellan Hill Climb in 1903.
With a remarkable 121 years of continuous ownership within a single family, it boasts a powerful 9,236 CC F-Head Inline 4-Cylinder Engine, single Zenith Carburetor, and a 4-speed Manual Transaxle with Dual-Chain Drive.
It features 2-wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes with Transmission Brake, a Front Beam Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs, and a Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs.
