Offered without reserve from The Aumann Collection, this 1913 Mercedes-Knight 16/45 HP Tourer provides a rare glimpse into Daimler’s pioneering history, long before the Mercedes-Benz marque took center stage. Powered by an innovative straight-four engine featuring the sleeve-valve technology licensed from American inventor Charles Yale Knight, this tourer was a symbol of refinement and cutting-edge engineering of its era.
Originally delivered to Switzerland in 1913, this elegant vehicle made its way to Australia in the 1920s, eventually surfacing in Melbourne in 1954. After decades in Australia, it was auctioned in 1995 and found new ownership in the United Kingdom before joining The Aumann Collection in 2000. The tourer’s interior was meticulously retrimmed in blue upholstery, adding a fresh touch to its historic charm.
The Mercedes-Knight 16/45 HP, with its white tourer body and advanced engine capable of reaching speeds of 80 km/h, would make an ideal participant in veteran car rallies. Complete with a spare engine and a rich history across continents, this exceptional vehicle stands as a proud testament to Daimler’s early innovations and the legacy of the Mercedes-Knight series.
Source: rmsothebys.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
