Miguel Sánchez
That one is not usually a prophet in one's own land seems to be a constant throughout history. Fact to which Paul Daimler did not escape in 1922. Chief designer of the company that bears his last name, which is so because his own father founded it. However, their constant differences of opinion with the brand's board of directors regarding how the new mechanics should be ended their departure from Daimler to land in Horch. Place where he was finally able to carry out his project for an 8-cylinder engine, prompting Ferdinand Porsche to fill his hole in April 1923.
An engineer who, even in the absence of years for his famous Kdf-Wagen, had already emerged with such interesting designs as the Lohner-Porsche. The electric vehicle that in series version ended up being a hybrid a whopping 123 years ago. However, his progression also led him to work for Austro-Daimler designing the successful racing model. Sascha in 1922. A 1089cc four-cylinder capable of winning the Targa-Florio in its class. Feat that gave Porsche a fame that led him to be signed by the German Daimler, being responsible for some of the most fascinating Mercedes of the XNUMXs.
In that sense, in 1924 the ever closer collaboration between Daimler and Benz led him to sign the Mercedes 24/100/140. A new high-end model that after the formal merger of both brands in 1926 changed its name to Mercedes-Benz 630K. Undoubtedly one of the most prolific models for the brand at that time, being offered in a multitude of variants made both by private bodybuilders and by Mercedes itself. Just the case of the unit that It will be auctioned on November 6 in London by RM Sotheby's. Which also has the particularity of having been in the hands of the same family since 1929.
MERCEDES-BENZ 630K TOURER. UNIT IN ORIGINAL CONDITION
Although the Mercedes-Benz 630K was born with the premise of being a comfortable travel car, its performance quickly caught the attention of amateur drivers. And is not for less. Since its six-cylinder in-line 6240cc engine was able to go up to 140CV thanks to supercharging. More than significant power for this device with overhead camshaft and light alloy cast block. The brainchild of Ferdinand Porsche that propelled the 630K until its liquidation in 1929 leaving behind a production of almost 1300 units. Counting about 260 with short wheelbase chassis for competition.
Case that is not the Mercedes-Benz 630K with chassis number 60896, which has a total distance of 5 meters with 2 wheelbase. Quite a flagship that was advertised with two benches of seats for two and three passengers respectively. This figure increased to a total of seven thanks to two additional seats located in the rear area. All this covered with a huge canvas hood designed to top the 2430 kilos of this vehicle braked by mechanical drum discs.
A unit in which, according to the report signed in 2015 by the Official Catalog of Historical Vehicles Laboratory of the Community of Madrid, remains in original condition. In fact, even though it is not the strictly originall its hood is so old that it can be considered a vintage spare. In addition, as regards the state of the paint and upholstery, they have moderate wear. Of course, so natural and respectful with respect to the state in which it left the factory that today it looks like an interesting patina.
M 31637. SPANISH UNIT ALWAYS IN THE HANDS OF THE SAME FAMILY
When we go back in time almost a century examining the history of any model, it is constant to come across two facts. The first is that most of the units no longer exist, many of them having ended up scrapped or simply disappeared. The second is that existing ones have changed hands multiple times, making it difficult to keep track of what is or is not restored. Something that in this unit is not a problem, since it has always remained in the hands of the same family since 1929. Specifically since it was registered in Madrid on March 16 of that year. Passing through at least four owners of the same saga linked to the Retiro neighborhood in Madrid and the Soria town of Vinuesa.
Place where the car was registered between 1937 and 1973. Having existed among certain fans of pre-war vehicles the rumor of the custodian of this Mercedes-Benz 630K in that small town adjacent to La Rioja. Be that as it may, the truth is that the last generation of owners walked this Mercedes from the twenties to various international meetings such as the Classic Days in the outskirts of Düsseldorf. An exclusive contest with only thirty vehicles in the final selection.
Environment in which this Mercedes-Benz 630K saw the light again after years of little use until its imminent auction after 92 years in the hands of the same family. Undoubtedly a strangeness that has allowed it to be kept in its original condition. Reason why it will be one of the most striking models of all those that will be seen on November 6 at the Royal Automobile Club in London. Space in which the typical annual auction that accompanies the London to Brighton route will be held. We will be attentive to the destination of this unit so closely linked to the national automobile heritage.
Photograph: RM Sotheby's
