Fantasy Junction

Description

1936 Mercedes-Benz 290 Cabriolet A by Sindelfingens/n 215035, engine no. U98535Black with Red Leather InteriorProduced during the heyday of Mercedes’ legendary prewar cars, the 290 was the smaller six-cylinder brother to the legendary 500/540K. Beautifully constructed and thoughtfully engineered with hydraulic brakes and independent suspension all around, the cars embodied Mercedes’ trademark qualities and were even available in a similar variety of body styles as the larger eight-cylinder cars, often appearing to be scaled down versions. In addition to the standard sedans and touring cars, the 290 was available in Cabriolet A, B, C, D, and F forms, which varied based on number of seats, side windows, and style of top. As always, the Cabriolet A was the most sporting and therefore desirable with only two side windows and no rear seats.This particular car was restored to Pebble Beach award-winning standards, placing third in the Prewar Mercedes class at the 2013 Concours d’Elegance, the only 290 ever to win an award in Pebble Beach’s 63 year history. The car has fascinating history which includes a significant file of documentation from the 1950s, when the car was still in Germany. On 6 November 1951, the car was acquired by an American serviceman in Germany by the name of Harold Reuter from another serviceman Gregory Darling. The original Bill of Sale and 1952 registration slip are included with the car, along with original insurance card. The car was at that time two-tone green. Reuter brought the car back to Detroit, Michigan with him in February of 1953, at which time the car was noted as having 94,607km. There are also many letters of correspondence between Reuter and Daimler-Benz AG pertaining to specifications and parts.After returning to the United States with the car, Reuter began collecting parts for a restoration, which he started. There are many invoices for parts and work done to the car from the early 1950s. He amassed a significant collection of New Old Stock (NOS) parts for the restoration during this period, which would eventually prove to be extremely useful. He eventually lost momentum on the restoration, and the car sat from 1954 until 2010 in dry storage, at which point its current owner acquired it and began a comprehensive restoration to the highest standards that included every mechanical and cosmetic aspect of the car. Many of the parts used were the NOS parts purchased decades earlier and the restorer was extremely fastidious about using only original Mercedes parts and in fact, virtually nothing was made during the restoration, with all parts purchased, restored, or collected in the 1950s. In fact, there is a bag of pink NOS parts tags removed from the parts purchased in the 1950s before they were fitted during the restoration. During the restoration, the body number was discovered on every piece of chrome and almost every piece of wood as well. Upon the completion of the restoration, the car was shown at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it placed Third in the Prewar Mercedes class, with the same score as the second place car, which won by virtue of being an 8 cylinder car.It goes without saying that the car is in stunning cosmetic condition today. The paintwork and chrome were performed to the highest standards and remain in excellent condition. The panel fit is excellent and as are the glazing and lights. Naturally every aspect of the car is correct and in excellent cosmetic condition. The semaphors are present but are not currently wired to operate.The interior was also restored to the highest standards. The red leather is of the correct Roser type and is superb and essentially. The carpets are Wilton wool installed to high standards. The dash is beautifully executed and bears strong resemblance to the 500/540K instrument panel. All components were beautifully restored and are like new. The top is in similar condition.The engine compartment is extremely clean, being of course freshly restored, highly detailed, and virtually spotless. The trunk was also restored with fresh carpet to match the interior. The car comes with original parts book, as well as black and white photographs of the car in Germany in the 1950s, even being driven in the snow! There is also a copy of the instruction book, a wiring diagram, and a thick file of original 1950s paperwork with the car.This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a world-class example of a very rare car. Approximately 3000 290s of all types were built, of which very few were Cabriolet As. The car has tremendous presence and is in many ways a mini-500/540K, although with an overall length virtually identical to a Ferrari 250 PF Cabriolet, the car is much more manageable than the eight cylinder cars. This car has a sparkling Pebble Beach award-winning restoration and has exceptional elegance and presence. It is complete with extensive documentation that includes a host of fascinating original period documents, as well as the Pebble Beach award it won.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608