To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Munich event, 23 November 2024.

• A fascinating insight into Daimler history; a precursor to the Mercedes-Benz marque
• Entered production after Daimler acquired the patent for a sleeve-valve engine developed by American pioneer Charles Yale Knight
• Powered by a straight-four engine; capable of a top speed of approximately 80 km/h
• Wears an elegant tourer body finished in white over blue upholstery
• Known ownership history in Australia, United Kingdom, and Germany most recently

Charles Yale Knight was a printer and journalist, not an engineer. Yet, in search of quieter and smoother motoring, the American pioneered a double sleeve-valve engine. Its refinement enticed English Daimler, who obtained the exclusive rights, refined the concept, and standardised the technology across its range.

The Mercedes-Knight 16/45 HP Tourer offered here, chassis 20884, was initially delivered to Switzerland and registered for the road in 1913 but after failing to sell, returned to the factory. Then, in the early 1920s, it was purchased by the Charles Myers & Co department store in Melbourne, Australia. The car surfaced in Richmond in 1954, before being auctioned in 1995 and shipped the following January to England.

Acquired by The Aumann Collection in June 2000, this Tourer was imported to Germany. The interior was subsequently trimmed in the current blue upholstery in May 2001 by Autosattlerei Brüger, Göttinger at a cost of 10,612 Deutsche Mark.

Featuring an advanced straight-four with “Reihenbestellnummer” stamping and complemented by a spare engine, this 16/45 HP Tourer would be an ideal entrant for a variety of veteran car rallies.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mu24/.