An extremely rare and historically significant 1930s Mercedes-Benz has recently sold for more than £250,000 despite being in need of a full and in-depth restoration. It was sold via Manor Park Classics on 19th July 2025.
This Mercedes-Benz 380 (W22) Cabriolet A is believed to be one of just 16 built, and was discovered as part of a deceased estate, where it had remained in storage and immobile for at least three decades. The car was purchased in the early 1960s by its late owner from an enthusiast named Mr. Elliott in Warrington. At the time, it’s understood the car was not running, hence why it sat for so long.
Despite its current state, a lot of the car is actually intact, including its original M22 engine. This is a 3.8-litre inline-eight fitted with an overhead valve configuration and a bolt-on Roots-type supercharger. With around 120hp when new, the model also came with a 4-speed gearbox, vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes on all four corners, and independent front suspension with a swing axle rear setup. You can imagine that this was a very sophisticated setup for the time.
The car’s history file also seems to suggest that this is an ultra-rare and potentially very significant vehicle. According to a copy of its build sheet, supplied by Daimler-Benz in 1982, the car was first sold in 1933 to William Merck of Darmstadt, thought to be a member of the Merck pharmaceutical family. A year later, it was sold to a Berlin-based photographer, Zoltan Glass, who worked closely with Mercedes-Benz during that period of time.
The same registration number, IA 93280, appears in photographs credited to Glass, which show a car matching this one’s details. These images, dated 1934, are supported by entries on Hans Muller’s website, World Cars 1930s to 1980s.
UK registration records indicate the car arrived in Britain in 1936. A tag on the driver’s side A-pillar shows the body number 807702. This corresponds with appropriate documentation.
Some parts are missing, and the car obviously needs a full restoration, but the fact that the supercharger and the signature grille are with the car is a very good start!
It’s clear that this 380 has not had the attention it deserves for a long time, but, despite the state it is now in, someone was willing to pay £262,000 for it! Imagine how much it could be worth when it is restored…
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