Automobiles in the Desert

The group is headlined by an exceptional 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster, a car of unparalleled elegance, which is expected to fetch eight figures when it goes under the gavel in Phoenix. One of the most prestigious and beautiful automobiles of the interwar years, the Special Roadster is the ultimate Mercedes-Benz 540 K; its combination of power, light weight, and sheer beauty made it the master of the road, while its extravagant price tag guaranteed exclusivity among owners, features that remain true today.

The example on offer, chassis no. 130894, is one of the earliest of the breed, and one of very few built in the most desirable configuration of high doors, long tail and factory left-hand drive. An original U.S.-delivery car with known history from new, the first owner of 130894 has long been believed as Reginald Sinclaire of Larkspur, Colorado, heir of Henry Purdon Sinclaire, one of the founders of Corning Glass. Sinclaire was no stranger to luxury automobiles, with the 540 K joining an impressive stable of vehicles he owned and remaining in his possession through the mid-50s.

Over the ensuing years, the Special Roadster on offer was the centerpiece of some of the world’s most prominent collections, including previous ownership by E.W. Price and later, Axel Wars, before making its way to its current custodian in 1989.

“In the world of luxury automobiles, the 540 K is a car with few peers and effortlessly checks all the boxes when it comes to collectability, namely extreme beauty, power and rarity,” says Ian Kelleher, Managing Director, RM Sotheby’s West Coast Division. Additional highlights include select automobiles from the esteemed Craig McCaw Collection, along with an extraordinarily rare 1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Torpedo Convertible Coupe.