Mercedes-Benz 28/95PS /60HP Phaeton 1911
General description :
Pinpointing the genesis of the motorcar is a complex undertaking, interwoven with numerous “firsts” and innovations happening almost simultaneously around the globe in the late 1800s. Steam-powered motor-wagons had popped up in workshops around the developed world, making it impossible to name an exact moment when the automobile was invented. With that in mind, much of the credit for the very first production viable automobile design is given to Karl Benz and his Benz Patent Motorwagen of 1886. However, some sixty miles from Benz’s workshop, Gottlieb Daimler was also working on a motorcar, unaware of Benz and his machine. Separately, yet in parallel, these two German inventors created the very foundation of the automobile industry.
Daimler’s first car was built on a modified buggy chassis, which differed from Benz’s purpose-built machine. Daimler and his partner Wilhelm Maybach continued experimenting, making several important innovations including the atomizing carburetor, and the use of a Cardan-drive shaft in place of typical final drive chains. The four-cylinder Phoenix of 1894 had attracted the attention and financial backing of Austrian Emil Jellinek, who ordered several Phoenix-engined racing cars. After Gottlieb Daimler’s death in 1900, his son Paul took his place, with Jellinek acting as director. In 1901, Jellinek promised to order 36 new vehicles in exchange for exclusive agencies in France, USA, Belgium, and Austria. He also felt the name DMG (Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft) was too Germanic, strongly suggesting they adopt the name Mercedes in honor of his 11-year old daughter.
With substantial financial backing in place, the Mercedes model range expanded swiftly. A vast array of engines and chassis were available, ranging from a 20 horsepower car to thundering 90 horsepower racers and tourers. In the pre-WWI era, the 28/60 was one of the most expensive and powerful models available. Built around a mighty 7,240cc T-Head 4-cylinder engine, mated to a 4-speed gearbox, the chassis was built in pressed steel, with a low center of gravity and a revolutionary honeycomb radiator. It was one of the first cars to abandon chain drive for the quieter, smoother and safer Cardan-Drive (universal-joint) propeller shaft and rear axle assembly. It was this refinement and engineering excellence that would define Mercedes as a marque into the 1920s, and beyond their 1926 merger with Benz, which created one of the greatest automobile manufacturers of all time.
This extraordinary Mercedes 28/60 Phaeton is a beautifully restored and proven tour car, benefitting from 40 years of single-family care. Long known as a 1911 model, this car was delivered new in London on June 27, 1913, according to Mercedes-Benz Classic. It is believed the car was sold through the London based dealer Milnes-Daimler-Mercedes, Ltd, which is embossed on the exceptionally rare, English owner’s manual. While the earliest history in London is not documented, the current owner believes the Mercedes was purchased there by Norm Viney of Cleveland, Ohio sometime in the early 1950s. Viney bought it along with several other cars in the UK, getting some restoration work done before shipping it to the USA. Once stateside, it had some additional work performed by Tom Lester of Lester Restorations and Lester Tires fame.
Mr. Viney passed away in the mid-1970s, and the car was sold to a family friend, Solon Sprinchorn of Jamestown, New York. The Mercedes was stored for 20 years until Sprinchorn decided to refurbish it to enjoy on tours. With the help of his son-in-law, the car was completed in mid-1997 in time for the Veteran Motor Car Club of America’s Trans-Continental Reliability Tour. This 30-day event stretched over 2,500 miles from El Paso, Texas, into Banff, Alberta and on to Spokane, Washington. Upon completion of this grueling event, the 28/60 was kept in Santa Maria by Sprinchorn’s son-in-law, who kept in in excellent running order.
That epic tour would sadly be Solon Sprinchorn’s only event in the Mercedes, as he passed some six months later. Ownership changed to his son in law, who continued to use and enjoy the car in Solon’s honor. Over the course of several more years, the big Mercedes participated in numerous HCCA tours on the West Coast. In 2007, the Mercedes came due for a full engine rebuild, and the job was entrusted with Robin Onsoien of Early Motors in Nipomo, California. There, the engine was methodically rebuilt, and comprehensive restoration of the body and chassis soon followed. Onsoien stripped and refinished the body in a handsome maroon, and black livery finished to a very high standard. Loren Burch of Pasadena restored the seats in proper black leather, and completely rebuild the top along with front side curtains and a tonneau. The extensive restoration, including the meticulous engine rebuild, is well documented via hundreds of photographs.
As expected of a Robin Onsoien restoration, the craftsmanship is impeccable. The body and interior have beautiful detailing and finish quality. Finely polished brass punctuates the body and paintwork. A beautiful hand-made wicker trunk allows for storage of the weather equipment and soft luggage. More than just a showpiece, the owner has improved usability for touring by performing several subtle upgrades. The gorgeous brass Ducellier headlamps, cowl lamps, and tail lamp have been updated to run on electric power via a subtly integrated alternator. The alternator also feeds an electric fuel pump and discreet turning signals.
Since 2008, this mighty Mercedes participated in at least a dozen more tours, yet it remains in absolutely beautiful cosmetic condition. While never intended to be strictly a show car, this significant Mercedes would no doubt be welcome at regional concours and Mercedes-Benz Club events. Powerful, expertly prepared, and beautifully presented, this rare and highly collectible Mercedes will surely satisfy collectors and touring enthusiasts alike.
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6286
1911 Mercedes-Benz 28/95PS /60HP Phaeton is listed sold on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Mark Hyman for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercedes-Benz Model : 28/95PS Model Version : /60HP Phaeton Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1911 Location : Missouri
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About Mercedes-Benz
In the annals of automotive history, the journey of Mercedes-Benz is a tale that unfolds with the ingenuity of its founding pioneers. In the year 1886, Karl Benz crafted the Benz Patent Motorwagen, a creation that would go down in history as the world's inaugural automobile. Unbeknownst to him, this moment marked the genesis of what would evolve into the most illustrious premium car manufacturer globally. The financial underpinning of this pioneering venture, interestingly, was provided by Karl Benz's wife, Bertha Benz, demonstrating a remarkable partnership that would set the tone for Mercedes-Benz's legacy.A parallel narrative emerged not far away, as Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, founded by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, entered the scene. In 1901, they unveiled their automobile under the now-famous moniker "Mercedes," meaning "godsend" in Spanish. This name was bestowed upon the car at the behest of Emil Jellinek's daughter, the distributor for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. The wheels of innovation were set in motion.
Fast forward to 1926, a pivotal year that witnessed the merger of Daimler with Benz & Cie., culminating in the birth of Daimler-Benz. The amalgamation saw the adoption of "Mercedes-Benz" as the distinguished trademark for their automobiles, fusing the legacies of two visionary entities into one.
Contrary to perceptions of conservatism, the trajectory of Daimler-Benz unfolds as a chronicle of industry firsts. From the introduction of the honeycomb radiator to the float carburetor, and the pioneering implementation of four-wheel brakes in 1924, Daimler-Benz consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. The diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz 260 D in 1936 marked the inception of diesel engines in passenger cars. The iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing made history as the first car with direct fuel injection, albeit the Gutbrod's tiny 2-stroke engine can claim precedence.
Safety innovations became a hallmark, with Béla Barényi's patented safety cell design in the "Ponton"-models in 1951, featuring front and rear crumple zones. The W116 450SEL 6.9 saw the introduction of the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS), another pioneering safety feature. From the first production airbags and beyond, the legacy of "firsts" continued to be etched into the fabric of Daimler-Benz.
Over its centennial journey, Mercedes-Benz has not merely produced cars but has sculpted automotive icons. The SSKL, 710 SSK Trossi Roadster, 770K Grosser, 540K Spezial Roadster, 300SL Gullwing, w100 600 Pullman, w111 280SE 3.5 Flachkühler, w113 230SL Pagoda, w109 300 SEL 6.3, and w201 2.3-16 Cosworth stand testament to the brand's commitment to engineering excellence.
The roaring Silver Arrows, or "Silberpfeile," including the W 25, W 125, W154, W165, and W196, created a legacy of dominance on the racetrack. These machines were not merely cars; they were expressions of precision, speed, and an indomitable spirit that left their competitors in the dust.
As Mercedes-Benz marches into the future, it does so not just as an automaker but as a custodian of a legacy, a torchbearer of innovation, and a beacon of automotive excellence. The road ahead is sure to witness the continued fusion of cutting-edge technology, timeless design, and an unwavering commitment to setting new standards in the world of automobiles.
One luminary figure who left an indelible mark was Béla Barényi, often heralded as the "father of passive safety" for his pioneering work in safety engineering. His patented safety cell design, featuring front and rear crumple zones, became a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to occupant safety, setting new standards that reverberated throughout the automotive world.
Moving through the chronicles, the collaborative genius of Wilhelm Maybach, alongside Gottlieb Daimler, laid the foundation for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Their innovations not only birthed the first Mercedes but established a culture of relentless pursuit of technological excellence that remains integral to Mercedes-Benz's DNA.
In the post-merger era of 1926, Ferdinand Porsche emerged as a prominent figure within Mercedes-Benz. His work on the Mercedes-Benz S-Type, a supercharged race car, garnered acclaim and set the stage for a legacy that extended far beyond the marque. Porsche's impact would later extend to his eponymous company, but his influence at Mercedes-Benz during those formative years was pivotal.
As the 20th century progressed, the legendary Rudolf Uhlenhaut emerged as a key figure. Uhlenhaut, an accomplished engineer and the driving force behind the iconic Silver Arrows, played a crucial role in Mercedes-Benz's dominance in motorsports. His engineering prowess and attention to detail were instrumental in creating some of the most formidable racing cars of the era.
In the latter half of the century, figures like Bruno Sacco, the head of design at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, left an indelible imprint on the brand's aesthetic identity. Sacco's design philosophy, characterized by clean lines and timeless elegance, shaped iconic models like the W126 S-Class and the W201 190E, solidifying Mercedes-Benz's reputation for luxury and sophistication.
The narrative would be incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of engineers like Hans Scherenberg, whose leadership in the 1970s ushered in a new era of technological innovation at Mercedes-Benz. Scherenberg's tenure saw the development of groundbreaking technologies, including the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) and the introduction of airbags in production cars.