U.K. owned before and during WWII, later refurbished by M-B. Spent 30 years in Brook Stevens' Wisconsin Museum, converted from R to current LHD, restored in the mid-1980s. Acquired by Ecclestone in ’95. Panel fit good, chips to some edges, some localised shrinkage and minor bubbling, radiator shell and trim strip wavy. Underneath and engine bay spotless, interior apparently still period correct. switch handles possibly original, retrimmed leather only lightly used.

Of the 406 540Ks built, the 25 Special K models were rated as being the ultimate version to have both in period and ever since. Deservedly commanding poll position during viewing and given the power-plinth treatment to much audio-visual hullaballoo when its turn to cross the block came, Ecclestone's 540K Special Roadster was the undisputed star lot of the night. Inevitably, at such a high profile auction as this, it cost the new owner more than the top estimate of $8m to take it home.

First sent from German factory in unbodied form for custom U.K. bodywork that is still present. Largely unrestored, though early 1950s-installed cylinder block plus some liners sourced from another 38/250 SS-LWB (bought as a $134 spares car in 1944) and repainted years ago. Panels bumpy, paint much marked and flat, exhaust chrome burned. Original leather dry and holed.

Cost 11th owner Milligen $700 in 1941. Not even the best-informed pundit had any idea what this well-preserved SSK with British bodywork and fully charted provenance was really going to make on auction day. Bonhams PR line to the Daily Telegraph for their preview piece, "expected to fetch at least 2 million pounds [about $3.6m]," was most probably deliberately conservative. The actual price paid by continental private buyer (versus some determined under-bidders!) was not only positively stratospheric, but established new world records not only for the marque and model but also for a British collector vehicle sale total, too.

Pleasing, but not perfect. Good paint is to a standard no longer good enough, some brightwork is dull but still good. Patina is the kind word overall. Interior shows well, good leather and an excellent dash, again showing wear. The driver's seat shows a kind of "booster" seat back with full padding. A stunning car but not a stunning presentation.

An incredibly interesting history on this car, it's been owned by one family since new. Beautiful coachwork, the older restoration still looks good, but it is easy to find flaws. Positioned as the last car in the sale, it was also by far the most expensive. Well done all around.

Originally owned by movie mogul Jack Warner. Restored by master Mercedes specialists Paul Russell and Co. for Massachusetts collector Bud Lyon. A few runningboard scratches, otherwise like new in all areas. Dazzling design restored absolutely right.

Impeccable provenance, numerous concours awards, voluptuous but very graceful styling, the epitome of late '30s Classic style and engineering. Some observers thought the car a good buy at the price. Sold to an SCM subscriber from Washington.

Coachwork by Saoutchik. Excellent panel fit, superb paint has one small chip on rear edge of left door and one on fuel filler cap. Very good bright trim aside from some light pitting and fading on radiator shell. Excellent interior.

The star of the sale. Sold out of long term one-family ownership at Christie's Monterey sale in August ’06 for $3.65m (SCM# 42537). The buyer then tidied the car up considerably, without losing the great feel of the older restoration. Unfortunately, after shipping it to Europe and selling it at the low estimate, it's hard to think this is what he had in mind. It's certainly worth more, so this was a great deal.

All sorts of rumors, claims, counterclaims as to this (or any SSK, it seems) car's legitimacy, completeness, origins, originality and on and on into the night. Car looked great and was #1 in all areas. Our sources say the car's quite okay.

After all the experts and naysayers got through, the real money stepped up and bought the car... and real money doesn't spend this kind of dough on bad cars. Going back to Germany. Some thought price was a bargain.

A ravishing design restored to the highest standards. Sexy, slinky, the Jean Harlow of 1930s motor cars. Won Gwen Graham trophy at Pebble in 1986. Most recently in Japanese collection.

Going to a prominent northern California collection, where it will join a stunning group of antique and vintage Mercedes. If ever a classic Mercedes was worth the money, this is the car. The ultra-high-end of the market is staying strong.

Almost certainly genuine chassis originally identified as 36244 or 36246 boxed and gusseted for additional strength probably for early post-war hill climbs. Front and rear axles both originals, SSK motor with head or gasket fault declared, transmission SSK or SS with shortened torque tube. Current English-style classic roadster bodywork added at some time and more recently modified.

With a little over 30 examples made, any SSK has to be a prime collector vehicle to land. Even with uncharted provenance, this "Mystery SSK" was given a mid-estimate valuation by a new owner to much applause.

Coachwork by Mayfair Carriage Co, with extensive use of louvers throughout. Skirted rear fenders with bright accents a nice touch. Once part of the Englestad Collection and re-restored to concours condition at that time. Striking wood and pearl dash, excellent interior and engine compartment. An over the top design that does not appeal to all.

Far from a record price for a 540K. This was extreme styling on a car that is striking even in more conservative livery— which might suggest why bidding did not top the $3m mark here. A fair deal for both parties.

Late 1960s ground-up, $150,000 resto in L.A. Concours/tour regular in America. Bonnet paint lifting, other blemishes; chrome excellent, leather slightly soiled. Period trafficators and luggage trunk. Mighty 7.1-liter six presented well.

No sale during the auction, but arrangements were quickly made after. Although forecast to raise $350,000 more, with original chassis, body and motor all intact, this 38/250 is certainly worth more than the 1929 38/250 with Castagna coachwork, which had been parted from original engine and gearbox, and sold by Bonhams in their December 2004 London for $2,243,610. And much less than the 1929 38/250 SSK short-wheelbase 2-seater with Carlton Carriage body sold by the same auctioneers at Goodwood last September for $7,443,070.