Shining Stars Grace Gala at New Mercedes-Benz Manhattan Flagship Store

MONTVALE, N.J., June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The new Mercedes-Benz Manhattan dealership hosted its gala opening last night and amongst the shining stars and VIPs pulsing around the 330,000 square foot flagship store was one of the most expensive Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the world that can't be purchased at the dealership, but rather through RM Auctions during this year's Pebble Beach Motoring Week in August.  

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If guests weren't buzzing about celebrities in attendance or Matchbox 20 playing a private concert, or food inspired by Executive Chef Gabriel Kreuther of the Modern, it was definitely the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster – chassis number 154140 – part of the esteemed private collection of Sam and Emily Mann.  A star consignment for RM's annual Monterey sale, August 19 – 20, the exquisite, multi-million dollar 1937 540K Special Roadster is expected to set a new auction record for a Mercedes-Benz, as well as enter the history books as one of the most expensive motor cars ever sold at auction when it goes under the gavel this summer.

The Special Roadster was priced at around $12,000 US when new and represented the ultimate example of the supercharged 540K. One of just a select few built with the most desirable configuration of high door, long tail and covered rear spare, of which it is believed just three examples survive, the ultra-rare 540K was ordered new by the factory branch in Buenos Aires for the owners of a prestigious Argentinean clothing store. Delivered in June 1937, 154140 spent its early years in Argentina before being imported into the United States by one of the country's first full-time antique automobile dealers, Tiny Gould. It then passed through a string of well-documented owners, including time spent in both Australia and Germany. Today, beautifully presented and the recipient of a thorough, concours-quality restoration, it has enjoyed great success on the show field at both the prestigious Amelia Island and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance events. (Estimate Available Upon Request.)

"Exceptional at the time, the 540K Special Roadster remains one of the world's most valuable and desired collector cars. A magnificent example of an automobile as an art form, it has firmly established itself at the pinnacle of the classic car market," says Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions.

The dazzling 540K Special Roadster headlines a magnificent roster of Mercedes-Benz automobiles hand sourced for RM's annual Monterey sale, August 19 - 20. Joined by an astonishing array of other remarkable big eight supercharged Mercedes from the 1930s, RM's Monterey offering represents the most important collection of Mercedes-Benz motor cars ever presented at auction.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.maybachusa.com.

About RM Auctions

RM Auctions is the world's largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM's vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds four of the top five all-time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction. RM's restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades earning "Best of Show" honours at the world's top concours events, including an unmatched four wins at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the past 10 years.

For further information on RM's upcoming Monterey sale, please visit www.rmauctions.com or contact an RM specialist at +1 519 352 4575.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA