Stuttgart, Germany, 1936, three years before the outbreak of World War II: a Mercedes-Benz 290 convertible drives out from the factory with an elegant paint job in cream white and black. The model, often called W18, had been produced since 1933 with several different body types. There were, for example, no less than three different convertible versions: two or four doors, two or four seats.
The car was exported to the USA after the war and a restoration was initiated. Exported again, now to Sweden, the new owner - who stills owns it today - carried out a ground up restoration where the car was taken apart to the smallest detail and built up again. The correct Canadian ash was imported to rebuild the wooden frame - one example of the accuracy and devotion that was put into the restoration.
The 290 was ready in 1997, and has since then been used very sparingly and is in absolutely top condition, with an MOT and ready for the road. Under the hod resides a 2,9 litre inline six, 67 horsepower and mated to a manual 4-speed gearbox. In total, 7 495 Mercedes Benz W18 were built from 1933 until 1937.
The car at the Bilweb Auctions list for May 5 is valued to between 2,2 and 2,6 million SEK.
Coventry, England, 1949, four years after the ending of World War II: a luxurious Jaguar Mark V Cabriolet in white has been assembled in the city that has been severely damaged by German bombs. It is left hand drive, something new for Jaguar, because now the American market has grown in importance. More cars are sold overseas than on the home market.
After 48 years in the USA, the car is imported to Sweden by its current owner. He performs a nuts-and-bolts restoration to a spectacular original condition. An indication of the level of the restoration is that the painting of the body took four weeks.
Jaguar Mark V had at the launch in 1948, numerous technical features that was new for a Jaguar car. Apart from the aforementioned LHD, individual front suspension, hydraulic brakes, fender skirts and flashing indicators were among the novelties.
The 3,5 litre inline six engine produced 125 horsepower and the 4-speed gearbox was a manual - despite the focus on the US market.
Only 577 LHD Mark V Drop Head Coupés was made, and this example is most probably one of the finest.
The car is auctioned on May 5 and the estimated value is from 1,1 to 1,2 million SEK.
