1911 Mercedes 22/40HP Colonial Double Phaeton

Offered by RM Sotheby’s | Coral Gables, Florida | February 2025

Daimler shifted to shaft drive in early 1908. The first such car was the 35hp, which was the successor to the chain-driven 35hp model before it. In 1909, the 35hp begat the 21/35hp, which in 1910 became the 22/40hp. Midway through 1913, it was renamed the 22/50hp. That car would be available through 1920.

Power is from a 5.6-liter inline-four rated at 40 horsepower. Mercedes would also offer a “Colonial” version that retained the dual chain drive of yore. That’s what this car has. It was probably necessary for the rough circa 1911 roads of Buenos Aires, where it was delivered new.

From Argentina, it entered the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection in 1971. It was restored thereafter, but that work is now showing its age. Some work is required, but that won’t stop RM from boasting about an estimate of $150,000-$250,000. More info can be found here.