BLENHEIM, O.N.- RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, will celebrate the 125th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz at its Monterey, California sale next month by presenting the most important collection of Mercedes-Benz motor cars ever offered at public auction.

The highly-anticipated two-day sale, scheduled August 19 – 20, will present 13 magnificent examples from the world-famous German marque, spanning over 80 years of production.

Headlining the spectacular offering is an extraordinary 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster, chassis 154140 from the private collection of Sam and Emily Mann, recently displayed at the gala opening of Mercedes-Benz’s new Manhattan flagship store. One of just a select few built with the most desirable configuration of high door, long tail and covered rear spare, of which it is believed just three examples survive, the ultra-rare 540 K is expected to establish a new world record for a Mercedes-Benz sold at auction.

The multi-million-dollar 540 K is surrounded by an impressive series of four other big supercharged eight-cylinder Mercedes from the 1930s – each boasting impeccable histories – including three magnificent automobiles from the esteemed Lyon Family Collection, along with an important 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A offered from private ownership. As part of RM’s commitment to offering automobiles of exceptional quality, the Canadian-based auction house is working with Mercedes-Benz for the presentation of these five important vehicles, with each recently inspected in person by veteran experts from Mercedes-Benz Classic in Germany.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Mercedes-Benz’s heritage in their 125th anniversary year by presenting some of their most reputed automobiles from the 1930s. Exceptionally rare and unique in their own right, each car is a wonderful representation of luxury, stunning design, forward-thinking engineering and performance – qualities that have defined the Mercedes-Benz brand throughout its long history,” says Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions.

“In addition, we are delighted to have the support of the Mercedes-Benz Classic team for what promises to be an unprecedented sale. RM, like Mercedes-Benz Classic, places a strong emphasis on quality, and we are grateful to the Mercedes-Benz Classic team in Germany for making the trip Stateside to share their expertise and inspect each vehicle.”

Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic in Stuttgart, Germany, adds, “These vehicles are historical treasures from the1930s and the auction is a great celebration of Mercedes-Benz longevity and legacy over the past 125 years.”

Continuing RM’s reputation as the specialists for private collections, the Monterey sale will feature three magnificent Mercedes-Benz vehicles from the distinguished Lyon Family Collection. Included in the trio: the ‘Berlin Motor Show Car’, a beautifully-presented 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Roadster; the ‘Paris Salon Car’, a rare 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Coupe; and a unique, highly-desirable 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster. Combining luxury with performance, each is presented in exceptional condition having been treated to expert maintenance and climate-controlled storage during their tenure in the well-known Californian collection.