To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 15 - 17 August 2024.

• Purchased new by Hollywood icon Steve McQueen; retained as daily transport until his passing in 1980
• Accompanied by period registration slips issued to McQueen’s firm Solar Productions
• Featured in Matt Stone’s McQueen’s Machines
• Received over €125,000 in work by Kienle Automobiltechnik of Germany in 2013
• Powered by Mercedes-Benz’s venerated 6.3-liter V-8; capable of 0-60 mph in under seven seconds, with a top speed over 130 mph

Few celebrities have amassed an automotive collection as impressive as that of Steve McQueen. And of all the Hollywood stars to own such iconic machines, few of those truly convey historical importance and priceless desirability merely through their ownership, with McQueen unquestionably at the top.

As written in Matt Stone’s catalogue of the actor’s transports, McQueen’s Machines, McQueen’s son, Chad, recalls a time when a big black four-door sedan was delivered to their Brentwood, California home. Typically the choice of bank presidents the world over, the actor’s son was admittedly perplexed as to why his father would purchase such a car. “This thing is so [expletive] fast, you wouldn’t believe it!” the icon responded.

The elder McQueen continued that he had recently been on the Autobahn doing 130 mph in his Porsche 911 S when a Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 driven by a “60-year-old guy smoking a pipe blew by me like I was standing still.” The big black sedan McQueen purchased was indeed worthy of the actor’s affection. Powered by the three-pointed star’s venerable M100 6.3-liter engine, the muscular saloon could reach 60 mph from a standstill in under seven seconds, cruise the Autobahn at 130 mph, and was adorned with the firm’s finest luxury fitments.

Chad McQueen further described the sedan as one of his father’s favorite cars, stating, “He drove that thing everywhere.” After the actor’s untimely passing in 1980, the car passed through a series of enthusiast owners before being treated to over €125,000 in work by Kienle Automobiltechnik of Germany in 2013. Accompanying invoices show work included a fresh coat of black paint, overhauling the air suspension and brakes, refreshing the engine bay, welding cracks in the underside, and replacing various lines, hoses, and gaskets.

Boasting a fascinating known history, along with a thorough sorting by marque experts, this unassuming saloon presents an exceptional opportunity to own an iconic Mercedes-Benz with unsurpassed Hollywood provenance.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo24/.