Sir Stirling Moss's Mercedes-Benz 500SL Heads To Auction: A Racing Legend's Legacy

Published: Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 1:06 [IST]

A 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SL, originally ordered by Sir Stirling Moss OBE, is set to be auctioned at H&H’s Duxford sale on 19 June. The car, which has covered just 89,000 miles, is estimated to fetch between £10,000 and £12,000. Finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic with Grey leather upholstery, this R129-model SL highlights the enduring connection between Sir Stirling and Mercedes-Benz.

James McWilliam, senior specialist at H&H Classics, remarked, "Sir Stirling Moss has often been described as the greatest Formula One driver never to have won a world championship, so we’re honoured to offer one of his personal cars." He added that any vehicle linked to the racing legend is expected to generate significant interest.

Specially ordered to Sir Stirling’s specifications, the SL was collected from Bremen, Germany after its pre-delivery inspection on 24 July 1992. It was UK-registered with the notable ‘7 SM’ registration plate in August of the same year. The car changed hands four years later via Graypaul Ferrari at 25,602 miles and was eventually acquired by its current owner in February 2006.

During the current ownership, the cylinder heads were overhauled and other maintenance tasks were performed. The car presents well both externally and internally and shows 89,900 miles on the odometer. There are 12 main dealer and three specialist service stamps in the service book, along with a letter confirming Moss's ownership for four years. The original owner’s wallet, handbook, and service book accompany the vehicle.

McWilliam further commented on the car’s provenance: "As well as being a fantastic motor car in its own right, the car’s provenance is indisputable thanks to an ownership confirmation letter and a good history file which confirms careful ownership over the years."

Potential buyers can inspect the car at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford from midday on Tuesday 18 June. Bidding options for the auction include in-person attendance, online participation, telephone bidding or leaving a commission bid.

Established in 1993, H&H Classics is the longest continually trading auction house in the UK and Europe. With centuries of collective market expertise in the automotive and classic vehicle industry, H&H Classics prides itself on delivering high levels of commitment and service to both buyers and sellers.

Over the past 30 years, H&H Classics has achieved world record prices for classic motorcycles, cars, and competition vehicles such as a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB and a 1968 Lotus 49B. The auction house has also sold royal cars including Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler and Prince Philip’s Lagonda.

For more information about H&H Classics or upcoming auctions, visit www.handh.co.uk.