„A dream of a car ...“ the contemporary trade press called it. They were referring to a "sports car of amazing appearance coupled with unbelievable power": The Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster.  

The Dorotheum auction on 2nd October 2010 at the Salzburg Classic-Expo is now able to present this rarity from the year 1960. Finely tuned technology – this was the first time fuel injection and lightweight design were applied to a Mercedes series model – guaranteed a top speed of 260 km/h. The car has been estimated at 400.000 to 450.000 Euro and still has its original coat of white paint. Incidentally, it was a Mercedes 300 SL that took first and second place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1952. 

Dorotheum expert Michael Gross notices considerable optimism in the vintage car market: "Record results at international auctions - only recently, California hosted one of the world's largest auctions - indicate that the market for vintage vehicles continues to become more solid".  

Renault was equally successful in motor sports with its Alpine 110. The auction features a rally proven model with the typical blue paint that earned its drivers the nickname 'Blue Riders'. The car in question dates to 1972, has a FIVA certification and is valued at 100.000 to 110.000 Euro. 

Anglo-American sports car with Italian bodywork - the auction's 1953 Nash Healey would be a fine addition to any vintage car collection, according to Dorotheum expert Michael Gross. Nash Healey likewise won at the Le Mans and Mille Miglia races on several occasions. The model at this auction comes in 'Old English white' with a red interior and is estimated at 70.000 to 90.000 Euro. 

Epitomising the "American Way of Life" Dodge Challenger sport sedans are counted among the so-called Pony Cars (long hood, short deck) along with the first Ford Mustangs. One of the first models by the US maker Dodge from 1970 will be available, in perfect condition, at this auction for 60.000 to 80.000 Euro. 

In addition, the auction also presents several motorcycles. Dating to 1952, a Göricke gentleman's bicycle was revved up with a Rex auxiliary engine. It has been waiting to find an owner ever since - back in the 1950s nobody seemed to want to buy such an "unfashionable" machine. Most recently exhibited at a bicycle museum, this new vehicle will be sold for an estimated 1.700 to 2.200 Euro. Automobilia naturally complete the auction's selection, such as a stylish hood ornament in the shape of a gnome designed in 1910 by Paul Edouard Dreux for Continental (€ 2.200 - 3.600), or an 1924 Icarushood ornament designed by Colin George (€ 4.000 - 4.500).

Auction:
Vintage Motor Vehicles, Mtorbikes, 2nd October 2010

Experts:
Michael Gross, Ernst Pilger, Tel. + 43-662-871 671

Venue:
Messegelände Salzburg

Press Office:
Doris Krumpl, Tel. + 43-1-515 60-406, doris.krumpl@dorotheum.at