1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP Set for Record Auction: A Pioneering Supercar’s Legacy

In an event poised to captivate the automotive world, the Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP, a marvel of engineering bought in 1903 by the renowned press baron Alfred Harmsworth, is set to be auctioned for a staggering £8 million. This pioneering vehicle, hailed as the world’s inaugural “supercar,” once redefined speed and luxury, boasting capabilities that propelled it to an almost mythical status among early 20th-century automobiles. With an expected auction price that positions it as potentially the most expensive antique car to ever be sold, the Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP is a testament to the enduring allure and historical significance of automotive innovation.

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As the fastest production car of its era, the Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP not only exemplified the pinnacle of engineering ingenuity but also embodied the spirit of advancement and exploration that characterized the dawn of motoring. The anticipation surrounding its sale at Gooding and Company’s Amelia Island Auctions in Florida underscores the deep reverence and passion collectors hold for pieces of automotive history that have shaped the landscape of transportation and motorsport.

This extraordinary vehicle’s journey from Harmsworth’s prestigious collection to the auction block is a narrative rich with historical significance. Harmsworth, a titan of the publishing industry and an automotive enthusiast, curated a collection that featured some of the most innovative vehicles of his time, including this Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP “Roi des Belges.” His passion for motoring and his role in promoting the automobile through his media empire contributed significantly to the car’s legacy and to the broader acceptance of motor vehicles in British society.

The Mercedes-Simplex’s design and capabilities, from its powerful inline-6 engine to its transformative potential as a racing machine, underscore the technological leaps that have marked the evolution of automotive design. Its participation in prestigious events like Nice Speed Week and the Ballybannon Hill Climb, as well as its role in Harmsworth’s extensive touring, cemented its status as a vehicle not just of luxury, but of performance and endurance.

Now, as it prepares to enter a new chapter, the Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP stands as a monument to the dawn of the supercar era, a beacon of innovation that continues to inspire awe and admiration. Its auction not only offers a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of automotive history but also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of pioneers like Harmsworth, who foresaw the transformative impact of the automobile on society. As the gavel falls, the sale of this remarkable vehicle will undoubtedly be a milestone moment in the collector car community, celebrating the heritage and timeless appeal of the world’s first supercar.