1928 Mercedes-Benz S-type Saoutchik Roadster

The underbidders stopped bidding when they thought the car wasn’t selling—bad luck, as it was

by Simon Kidston

The 6.8-liter S-type was produced in four series from 1927 to 1930, with a total output of some 170 cars. This car is from the original 1927–28 series, of which just 26 were built. It was ordered new from Mercedes-Benz Inc. in New York by Mrs. Charles Levine, believed to be the wife of the millionaire Charles A. Levine, backer (and passenger) of aviator Clarence Chamberlain, who flew the Atlantic in 1927 shortly after Lindbergh had made his successful solo crossing.

Mrs. Levine opted not to have the standard factory bodywork on her car, choosing instead a daringly low-slung “Torpedo Roadster” body by Saoutchik of Paris, France’s most fashionable coachbuilder. The Mercedes was fitted with one of Jacques Saoutchik’s finest creations, whose long bonnet and short rear deck make the most of the dramatic proportions of the chassis. Subtle chrome (actually nickel) spears accent the sweeping curves of the fenders, while a daring break with tradition was the...