On January 6, 1973, a Mercedes-Benz 770K, commonly known as the “Supermercedes,” changed hands at a renowned auction. A striking bid reached a record price of 153,000 dollars for the time, underscoring the car’s extraordinary mystique and historical curiosity.
This flagship model presents a commanding silhouette paired with a luxurious finish. Beneath its hood lies a 7.6-liter engine delivering 150 horsepower, and when boosted by a compressor, peak output climbs to about 230 horsepower. The vehicle is equipped with bulletproof glass and armor plate protection, reflecting its high-profile use and the era’s security expectations.
Historical accounts confirm that the car served Adolf Hitler between 1937 and 1941. As the war shifted against Germany, the vehicle was transferred to Finnish General Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim to prevent it from falling into Soviet hands. What followed was a curious path: the artifact moved through a Swedish collection before being acquired by American buyers, continuing its journey across continents and collectors throughout the decades.
In subsequent years, ownership changed multiple times. A tobacco plantation owner from Tennessee acquired the Mercedes in the mid-20th century, and the car again changed hands in 1973 when auctioneers undertook a complete restoration. The mid-1970s saw a Las Vegas casino proprietor take ownership, after which the car found its way into the hands of German collectors. By the late 2000s, it surfaced with a figure described in media as an alleged billionaire from Moscow, marking yet another chapter in its storied history.
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Note: This article references historical reports and archival discussions of the Mercedes 770K, offering a snapshot of its provenance and historical context for enthusiasts and researchers alike.
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