Mail founder’s vintage Mercedes sells for a record £9.5 million – the most expensive antique vehicle ever auctioned

An ultra-rare Mercedes believed to be the world’s first supercar has become the most expensive antique engine ever sold at auction, after selling for £9.5million.

The 121-year-old Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP set a world record for the most valuable car ever sold before the 1930s when it was put up for auction earlier this month in Florida, United States. United.

The vintage engine – built for Daily Mail founder Alfred Harmsworth – sold for $12.1 million, also making it the first vintage car to top $10 million ($7.9 million). pound sterling).

The Mercedes was the fastest production car of its time and could reach speeds of 80 mph. It was built in 1903 and is one of five known surviving examples.

It was sold by classic car specialist Amelia Island Auctions, Gooding and Company. The sale was led by British television personality Charlie Ross, who has appeared on programs including Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip and Flog It.

He said: “It was a real pleasure to be at the podium for such an iconic piece of automotive history.

“The marquee was packed and bidding started at $5 million (£3.9 million), quickly rising to $10 million (£7.9 million).

“It then turned into a two-way battle that ended with the hammer falling at a staggering $11 million (£8.6 million) – yet another world record for Gooding and Company.”

The final price, including fees, was $12.1 million, breaking the previous record of £7.2 million for a pre-1930s car, which was paid in 2022 for a Hispano Torpedo -Suiza H6C “Tulipwood” from 1924.

Alfred Harmsworth, who became the first Viscount Northcliffe, and his brother Harold, who became the first Viscount Rothermere, launched the Daily Mail in 1896. As well as being a pioneer of popular journalism, Alfred was also a pioneer of automobiles.

In 1900 he supported the Royal Automobile Club’s 1,000 Mile Trial and also built up a car collection at his Surrey home.