An ultra-rare Mercedes considered the world’s first supercar has become the most expensive antique motor ever auctioned, after selling for £9.5million.
The 121-year-old Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP set a world record for the most valuable pre-1930s car ever sold when it went under the hammer earlier this month in Florida, US.
The vintage motor – built for Daily Mail founder Alfred Harmsworth – fetched $12.1million, also making it the first antique car to surpass $10million (£7.9m).
A 121-year-old Mercedes Simplex 60 HP set a record for the most fetched for a pre-1930s car when it was sold earlier this month
The Mercedes was the fastest production car of its time and could reach speeds of 80mph. It was built in 1903 and is one of only five known surviving examples.
It was sold by classic car specialists Gooding and Company’s Amelia Island Auctions. The sale was conducted by British auctioneer TV personality Charlie Ross, who has appeared on programmes such as of Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip and Flog It.
He said: ‘It was a real thrill to be on the rostrum for such an iconic piece of motoring history.
‘The marquee was packed and the bidding started at $5million (£3.9m), swiftly moving through the gears to $10million (£7.9m).
‘It then became a two-way battle which ended with the hammer falling at a breathtaking $11million (£8.6m) – yet another world record for Gooding and Company.’
The vintage motor was sold for $12.1million and is the first antique car to surpass $10million
It was built for the Daily Mail founder Alfred Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Northcliffe, in 1903
The final price, including fees, was $12.1million – beating the previous record for a pre-1930s car of £7.2million, which was paid in 2022 for a 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C ‘Tulipwood’ Torpedo.
Alfred Harmsworth, who became the first Viscount Northcliffe, and his brother Harold, who became the first Viscount Rothermere, launched the Daily Mail in 1896. As well as pioneering popular journalism, Alfred was also a trailblazer for motor cars.
In 1900, he backed the Royal Automobile Club’s 1,000 Miles Trial and also built up a car collection at his Surrey home.
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