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Lot 17: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Roadster *JOHN LENNON PREVIOUSLY OWNED, AND SPECIAL ORDERED*

Est: $500,000 USD - $3,000,000 USDSold:
Worldwide AuctioneersScottsdale, AZ, USJanuary 18, 2017

Item Overview

Description

1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Roadster *JOHN LENNON PREVIOUSLY OWNED, AND SPECIAL ORDERED THIS FINE AUTOMOBILE. IT TRULY IS AN ICONIC PIECE OF HISTORY* CHASSIS NO: 11304222010632 (BEING OFFERED AT AUCTION BY A MUSEUM IN FLORIDA) - Documentation includes a copy of the original UK registration bearing John Lennons iconic signature and other notable memorabilia, Specially ordered by John Lennon RHD with automatic transmission, Offered from long-term museum ownership in Florida, Confirmed matching numbers mechanicals per factory Data Card, Wonderful artifact of rock 'n' roll, cultural, and automotive history. 2,308 cc SOHC inline six-cylinder engine, 170 HP (SAE rating), Bosch mechanical fuel injection, four-speed automatic transmission, fully independent suspension with front wishbones and coil springs, and anti-sway bar, rear low-pivot swing axle, trailing arms, coil springs, and compensating spring, and hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes; wheelbase: 94.5_. SHIPPING NOTE: WORLDWIDE AUCTIONEERS CAN PLAY AN ASSISTIVE ROLE IN FACILITATING SHIPPING/TRANSPORT AT THE BUYER'S EXPENSE.

Provenance

Launched at the prestigious March 1963 Geneva Auto Show, the new 230SL Roadster succeeded both the 300SL and 190SL lines, marking a new single-platform policy for Mercedes-Benz sports cars. Internally coded _W113_ and of monocoque construction, the new SL featured chiselled bodylines penned by noted and prolific designer Paul Bracq. The new SL went on to become an unqualified postwar icon and, given the instantly iconic styling, upscale cachet, and inherent excellence of the 230SL, it is only natural that it would captivate a fast-rising musician/songwriter from Liverpool who was finally enjoying the fruits of virtually endless writing, touring, and recording. That young man was John Winston Lennon and this is his 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL. A thrilling find for anyone even remotely interested in the British musical invasion of the Swinging Sixties and sporting automobiles, this 230SL was the choice of a man who by the mid-1960s could choose any automobile. While he grew up in Liverpool, a favorite target of the German Luftwaffe during WWII, and the horrors of wartime were still fresh, John Lennon also knew postwar Germany on a personal level, having gained immense experience playing to occupation soldiers and German civilians alike on three tours in Hamburg bars during the early 1960s. In fact, since Lennon, his band mates in The Beatles, and all their German friends spent their formative years in Hamburg, his choice of an upscale German car made sense. Delivered new to England, of course in right-hand drive configuration, John Lennon_s 230SL was registered _GCP 196C_ there and it was later exported to the United States and registered in California. It was also originally equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, making this car one of the earlier vehicles from Mercedes-Benz to be so equipped. Handsome in blue over grey upholstery, this 230SL is now offered from long-term museum ownership and comes with documentation including a copy of the original UK registration bearing John Lennon_s iconic signature and other notable memorabilia. As offered, the car has been expertly reviewed and it is confirmed to retain the engine, chassis plate, transmission, and rear differential numbers matching those of the factory Data Card and it is confirmed as having been delivered new in its medium blue exterior color with grey interior, a grey soft top, and factory hardtop. Copies from the original logbook documents list John Winston Lennon, M.B.E. as the vehicle_s owner. The M.B.E. was the Queen_s Honorary Award and it was presented to The Beatles at Buckingham Palace in 1965. The address of 23 Albermarle, London was the mailing address for The Beatles, prior to their relocation to Savile Row under their Apple Records label name. The Mercedes is believed to have been sold by Lennon to a private couple in the Newmarket area and then to Mr. Howard Wise. It would then find its way to Peter Jarvis, the noted car dealer in Kent, who spotted the vehicle in the current museum display some time ago and recalled selling it to a gentleman in Cocoa Beach, Florida in the mid-1980s. Subsequently, the SL was sold to one Mr. Barnett in California who would later offer the car with it being acquired in 1999 by the current Florida museum owner. Carrying wonderful early provenance, remaining faithful to its original specifications, and offered from long-term museum care, the John Lennon 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Roadster is a thrilling find and a wonderful piece of automotive and cultural history. As such, it is one of the most interesting examples of quite likely one of the most collectible classic Mercedes-Benz models offered in recent memory.

Payment & Shipping

Payment

Accepted forms of payment: American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Vehicles not marked as "Offered Without Reserve" or "No Reserve" are subject to a minimum bid set by the Seller. When a vehicle is sold subject to such a minimum bid, the auctioneer may bid on the Seller's behalf in an amount not to exceed the Seller's minimum bid. All terms of sale posted on the auction premises, printed in sale brochures or forms, publicly announced, or otherwise published are incorporated herein by reference.
The Bidder and Auctioneer agree that this agreement shall be binding on
their heirs, personal representatives, successors and/or assigns, and that any changes to this agreement shall not be enforceable unless in writing and signed by both Bidder and Auctioneer.

- If you are the winning bidder, you must pay for the item, no exceptions. If you need immediate assistance please call: Abby at +1 260.925.6789, if you wait until the auction is over to report a problem with a bid that resulted in a win, and do not pay, you will be charged a 10% reselling fee, subject to the 13.5% buyer's premium. NO EXCEPTIONS.

This instrument, together with the Bidder's Registration Form, Clerk Ticket, Purchase Invoice and Bill of Sale, comprise the entire agreement of the parties and shall be binding on them and their respective heirs, personal representatives and assigns. This instrument shall not be modified except in writing, signed by an officer of Worldwide Auctioneers in the auction office or at the auction block. The above instruments constitute a contract between Bidder/Buyer, Seller and Worldwide Auctioneers. ALL PARTIES AGREE THAT THE EXCLUSIVE AND SOLE JURISDICTION AND VENUE FOR ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, COURT ACTIONS, AND LAWSUITS ARISING UNDER THESE CONTRACTS BE THE COURTS OF THE COUNTY OF DEKALB IN THE STATE OF INDIANA AND SHALL BE INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF INDIANA. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THEY SPECIFICALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO HAVE ANY CLAIMS OR ISSUES HEARD IN FEDERAL COURT.

Worldwide has a copyright on all images and likenesses taken or captured at their events and, by registering as a Bidder, you expressly agree that any and all images or likeness taken or captured by Worldwide belong to Worldwide and they have full rights to use in any manner they so choose.

Bidder is responsible for their bidder number and action taken on behalf of your bidder number. Please notify the auction office immediately if you have lost your number.

Should you have any questions regarding the Buyer's Terms and Conditions of Sale, please contact us at +1 260.925.6789.

You will receive confirmation of registration within 48 hrs. If you do not receive confirmation within this time, please call Abby at +1 260.925.6789

Non-Compliance of Buyer, Default and Remedies.

If the Bidder/Buyer fails to comply with any of the Conditions of Sale, including, without limitation, a Bidder/Buyer fails to timely pay the full purchase price and/or remove a vehicle when required, the Bidder/Buyer shall be in breach and default of this agreement and shall be liable to Worldwide Auctioneers, and Bidder/Buyer agrees that Worldwide shall be entitled to recover from such Bidder/Buyer, any and all damages, costs, expenses, fees (including attorneys' fees) and other amounts suffered and/or incurred. Worldwide may initiate legal action against the Bidder/Buyer including, without limitation, an action for specific performance, cancel or rescind the sale, resell the vehicle(s) with or without reserve privately or at public auction and the Bidder/Buyer shall be liable for any deficiency between the purchase price (plus all damages, costs, expenses and fees, including attorney's fees incurred by Worldwide) and the resale price. Please be advised that if Worldwide Auctioneers pursues a default buyer/bidder for "failing to complete the transaction" for any reason, that this does not terminate the seller's rights of further legal action for any and all damages sustained as a result of the transaction not being completed in accordance with all terms.

Auction Details

Scottsdale AZ, Classic Car Auction Wed., Jan 18 at 5PM

by
Worldwide Auctioneers
January 18, 2017, 05:00 PM MST

6460 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85257, US

Terms

Live bidding may start higher or lower

Buyer's Premium

$1 - 50,000:16.5%
$50,001 - 100,000:15.5%
$100,001 - 150,000:14.5%
$150,001+:13.5%

Bidding Increments

From:To:Increment:
$0$29$1
$30$149$5
$150$349$10
$350$799$25
$800$1,999$50
$2,000$3,999$100
$4,000$9,999$250
$10,000$14,999$500
$15,000$24,999$1,000
$25,000$34,999$2,500
$35,000$49,999$5,000
$50,000$99,999$7,500
$100,000+$10,000

Conditions of Sale.

Payment is due immediatly after the sale and may be made by the following method:
- checks in euro
- cash within the following limits:
- 3.000 euros for trade clients
- 3.000 euros for French private clients
- 15.000 euros for foreign tax nationals (non trade)
- credit cards VISA and MASTERCARD
- Bank transfers

Bidding

No bid may be retracted by Bidder/Buyer during the sale for any reason, regardless of whether bid is made in person, by telephone, or as an absentee bidder. All sales are final upon the Auctioneer's declaration of sale. The auctioneer and Worldwide Auctioneers are not responsible for internet delays, and it is the bidder's sole responsibility to "bid quickly", as the internet can cause minor to severe delays.
Online bidder deposit and payment procedure: All online bidders will be sent a credit card authorization form to completely fill out prior to being approved to bid in this auction. This auction has a $100 fee that is non-refundable. A $5000 deposit will be charged on the same card for all purchases, as soon as the auctioneer drops the gavel and says "sold". The bidder must complete a wire transfer for the balance within 24 hours of the end of the auction.

Payment.

Payment of the purchase price for onsite purchases is due immediately upon the Auctioneer's declaration of sale. Payments must be in the form of cash or certified funds. All cash payments will be reported according to U.S. Federal government requirements. Personal or company checks are acceptable with prior approval from Worldwide Auctioneers. Approval requires an irrevocable letter of guarantee from the purchaser's bank made to Worldwide Auctioneers, stating the auction name, sale dates, the limit of the bank's guarantee, and a commitment not to issue stop payments with respect to checks made payable to Worldwide Auctioneers. (Sample of this letter is available below.)

Your check may be converted to an electronic file. Alternate payment arrangements are available for absentee and telephone bidders and must be made in advance. Please direct inquiries to sales office.

Final bid price for On-Site, Telephone or Absentee Bidders does not include 10% Buyer's Premium on automobiles, the online buyer's premium is tiered as follows; $1-$50,000=16.5%, $50,001-$100,000=15.5%, $100,001-$150,000=14.5%, $150,001-+=13.5% and an 18% Buyer's Premium on non-automotive lots, or applicable taxes or fees. A 3% Buyer's Premium discount will be given for cash settlement on non-automotive lots. Buyer is responsible for all federal, city, state, or other taxes due for which the Buyer does not qualify as exempt. Proof of exemption is Buyer's responsibility. Payment for vehicle is to be immediate and made directly by the Buyer to Worldwide with Buyer agreeing to pay Worldwide Auctioneers sales commission as per sale agreement. The Scottsdale, AZ city tax is 2.35%, and state tax is 5.6%

Other Terms.

Vehicles not marked as "Offered Without Reserve" or "No Reserve" are subject to a minimum bid set by the Seller. When a vehicle is sold subject to such a minimum bid, the auctioneer may bid on the Seller's behalf in an amount not to exceed the Seller's minimum bid. All terms of sale posted on the auction premises, printed in sale brochures or forms, publicly announced, or otherwise published are incorporated herein by reference.
The Bidder and Auctioneer agree that this agreement shall be binding on
their heirs, personal representatives, successors and/or assigns, and that any changes to this agreement shall not be enforceable unless in writing and signed by both Bidder and Auctioneer.

- If you are the winning bidder, you must pay for the item, no exceptions. If you need immediate assistance please call: Abby at +1 260.925.6789, if you wait until the auction is over to report a problem with a bid that resulted in a win, and do not pay, you will be charged a 10% reselling fee, subject to the 13.5% buyer's premium. NO EXCEPTIONS.

This instrument, together with the Bidder's Registration Form, Clerk Ticket, Purchase Invoice and Bill of Sale, comprise the entire agreement of the parties and shall be binding on them and their respective heirs, personal representatives and assigns. This instrument shall not be modified except in writing, signed by an officer of Worldwide Auctioneers in the auction office or at the auction block. The above instruments constitute a contract between Bidder/Buyer, Seller and Worldwide Auctioneers. ALL PARTIES AGREE THAT THE EXCLUSIVE AND SOLE JURISDICTION AND VENUE FOR ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, COURT ACTIONS, AND LAWSUITS ARISING UNDER THESE CONTRACTS BE THE COURTS OF THE COUNTY OF DEKALB IN THE STATE OF INDIANA AND SHALL BE INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF INDIANA. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THEY SPECIFICALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO HAVE ANY CLAIMS OR ISSUES HEARD IN FEDERAL COURT.

Worldwide has a copyright on all images and likenesses taken or captured at their events and, by registering as a Bidder, you expressly agree that any and all images or likeness taken or captured by Worldwide belong to Worldwide and they have full rights to use in any manner they so choose.

Bidder is responsible for their bidder number and action taken on behalf of your bidder number. Please notify the auction office immediately if you have lost your number.

Should you have any questions regarding the Buyer's Terms and Conditions of Sale, please contact us at +1 260.925.6789.

You will receive confirmation of registration within 48 hrs. If you do not receive confirmation within this time, please call Abby at +1 260.925.6789

Non-Compliance of Buyer, Default and Remedies.

If the Bidder/Buyer fails to comply with any of the Conditions of Sale, including, without limitation, a Bidder/Buyer fails to timely pay the full purchase price and/or remove a vehicle when required, the Bidder/Buyer shall be in breach and default of this agreement and shall be liable to Worldwide Auctioneers, and Bidder/Buyer agrees that Worldwide shall be entitled to recover from such Bidder/Buyer, any and all damages, costs, expenses, fees (including attorneys' fees) and other amounts suffered and/or incurred. Worldwide may initiate legal action against the Bidder/Buyer including, without limitation, an action for specific performance, cancel or rescind the sale, resell the vehicle(s) with or without reserve privately or at public auction and the Bidder/Buyer shall be liable for any deficiency between the purchase price (plus all damages, costs, expenses and fees, including attorney's fees incurred by Worldwide) and the resale price. Please be advised that if Worldwide Auctioneers pursues a default buyer/bidder for "failing to complete the transaction" for any reason, that this does not terminate the seller's rights of further legal action for any and all damages sustained as a result of the transaction not being completed in accordance with all terms.