1928 MERCEDES-BENZ 630K LA BAULE TRANSFORMABLE. Coachwork by Jacques Saoutchik. Estimate US$ 1 million - 1.3 million (€910,000 - 1.2 million). Photo Bonhams.

Engine no. 60793 - 6,240cc SOHC Supercharged Inline 6-Cylinder Engine - 100bhp at 3,100rpm - 140bhp with Compressor Engaged - 4-Speed Manual Transmission - 4-Wheel Leaf Spring Suspension - 4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes

*Exquisite and rare coachwork by one of the world's most coveted coachbuilders
*Sumptuous La Baule-style body is a signature Saoutchik design 
*Fitted with a rare patented Saoutchik stowable passenger windshield
*Legendary Supercharged Mercedes chassis developed by Ferdinand Porsche
*High quality restoration that presents well 

THE MERCEDES-BENZ 630K 

Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft had introduced the world's first supercharged production cars, the 6/25/40hp and 10/40/65hp four-cylinder models, at the 1921 Berlin Automobile Show. (The three figures refer to nominal rated horsepower, horsepower un-blown and horsepower with blower engaged respectively). On his arrival early in 1923, Porsche busied himself further developing the blown four and eight-cylinder racers designed by Paul Daimler, and the 15/70/100hp and 24/100/140hp supercharged, six-cylinder production models that would debut at the Berlin Automobile Show in 1924. After the 1926 merger these were reclassified as types 400 and 630. That same year a 'K' (Kurz = Short) version became available for the first time, on a wheelbase reduced from 12' 4" to 11' 2" (3,750 to 3,400mm). Displacing 6.3 liters, the 630K's single-overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine produced a mighty 140PS (138bhp) with the Roots supercharger engaged (by pressing the throttle pedal to the floor) and in this specification the 630K could justifiably claim to be the world's fastest production touring car, with a top speed of over 90mph (145km/h). 

Affordable by only the wealthiest of connoisseurs, the Model K was produced in strictly limited numbers, only 267 of all types being completed between 1926 and 1932. In Germany these would have been bodied by the likes of Erdmann & Rossi, Reuter, Papler, Zschau and Balzer while others were fitted with 'factory' coachwork by Sindelfingen. Some chassis found owners in the USA and were bodied there but the rarest Model Ks are those few completed with exotic coachwork by companies such Stabilimenti Farina or Carrozzeria Castagna, and off course; CarrosserieSaoutchik. 

CARROSSERIE SAOUTCHIK

Having fled the pogroms in White Russia, Jacques Saoutchik arrived penniless in Paris in the winter of 1899. In 1906 he opened his carrosserie and quickly ascended from being a mere coachbuilder to becoming the purveyor of the most exquisite coachwork that money could buy. Customers were everything from the glittering socialites, artists, demimondes and couturiers who populated the chic salons of Paris, to royalty and heads of state.

Jacques Saoutchik was a carpenter by trade, and Saoutchik bodies were noted for an almost excessive quality of workmanship and the beauty of the interior marquetry. After the First World War, Saoutchik developed and patented elegant convertible top mechanisms, including tops that disappeared completely into the body work. These patents were followed on June 3, 1924 by a patent for "A stowable windshield developed for the rear seats of automobiles". This particular invention was marketed heavily by the Carrosserie in the following years, and a number of cars were equipped with this stowable second windshield.

The late 1920s in Paris were an endless pursuit of elegance, a merry-go-round of the rich and famous, where a body by Saoutchik was not merely seen as an expression of wealth and possessing the necessary social graces. The owner of luxury chassis equipped with a Saoutchik body, such as the famous music hall star Mistinguette, signaled that mere good taste did not suffice. Arriving at Chez Maxim's or The Ritz in an automobile by Saoutchik meant instant acceptance at the highest levels of chic Parisian society, and just as important, that the doorman would let you in.

It all came together with the beautiful La Baule bodystyle introduced by Saoutchik in 1928 and named after the seaside resort town on the northwest Atlantic coast of France where important concours d'élégances were held from 1924. It was one of the most innovative, successful and dramatic designs in the 1928-29 Saoutchik portfolio, and in spite of its great cost, La Baule cabriolets were built on a number of luxury chassis, including Minerva, Isotta Fraschini, Rolls-Royce and Mercedes. Signature Saoutchik styling clues included the completely disappearing top mechanism, the patented stowable windshield as well as the exquisite brightwork used to scallop the fenders — the latter being an innovation introduced by Saoutchik as early as 1926. 

However, the most startling stylistic innovation was Saoutchik's creative use of a wide beltline which followed the curvature of the bobtail rear deck — in combination with a resurrection of the "fiacre" coachline dating back to horseless carriage days, running in a delicate sweep down the side of the cowl from the windshield pillar to the chassis apron. Saoutchik used this inspired styling cue on a number of designs, but it worked best on the La Baule. As a result, in the 1928 and 1929 seasons, Saoutchik became such a regular winner of the Grand Prix at all the French concours d'élégance, that some of his competitors must have felt it was hardly worthwhile to enter. 

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

It is a rare occasion when a chassis with Saoutchik La Baule coachwork is offered. It is an even rarer occasion when this coveted bodystyle is mounted on an impressive supercharged Mercedes chassis. The La Baule design contained all the quintessential late 1920s Saoutchik design elements and demonstrated a superb harmony of line, despite the complexity of its side treatment. The Mercedes chassis was developed by none other than a young Ferdinand Porsche and was mechanically at the cutting edge of 1920s large car technology. Add the undeniable wow-factor of this superb French creation to the mix. From a collector point of view, the combination is simply unbeatable. It is not often that one can have one's cake and eat it, too. 

The example offered here; Mercedes-Benz commission number 40926, with chassis or wagen number 35813 and engine number 60793, was delivered as bare chassis to Carrosserie Saoutchik on August 23,1928. The cars history from here until the post-war years remains vague, but the car is believed to have been in the US, and possibly Ontario, Canada for a very long time. The 630K has been beautifully restored throughout some years ago, and is elegantly finished in a duo-tone bluish grey color, neatly complimented by the finest hides and fabrics in the exquisite Saoutchik cockpit. A welcomed entry to the finest and most prominent Concours d'Elegance around the world, this Saoutchik La Baule Transformable being offered for sale is an opportunity not to be missed. 

Bonhams. THE SCOTTSDALE AUCTION, 28 Jan 2016 11:00 MST