1924 Mercedes 10/40/65hp Sports

Chassis No. 27241 | Engine No. 1233 37 55673

A Rare and Historic Mercedes Supercharged Model

The 1924 Mercedes 10/40/65 HP represents a milestone in automotive engineering, marking the earliest use of forced induction in a production car. Introduced at the 1921 Berlin Automobile Show, this supercharged model was part of a groundbreaking lineup that paved the way for Mercedes-Benz’s legendary Kompressor cars.

This particular example, chassis number 27241, was sold new in Germany on November 9, 1924, and has since had an extraordinary history, spanning multiple continents and prestigious events.

Technical Excellence: The Birth of the Kompressor Era

• Engine: 2,614cc overhead-camshaft inline-four
• Power Output: 10 HP (rated), 40 HP (un-blown), 65 HP (with supercharger engaged)
• Supercharger: Factory-equipped (though later modified with a larger unit)
• Transmission: Original gearbox, still intact
• Chassis: Shortened from its original length to accommodate a lightweight two-seater sports body

Mercedes was an early pioneer in forced induction, drawing from WWI aviation technology to create the world’s first supercharged production cars. The 10/40/65 HP was one of these groundbreaking models, delivering remarkable performance for its time.

An Extraordinary Provenance

Early Life in Germany and Romania

• Originally sold in Germany, the car was shipped to Romania, where it remained for over 60 years
• In the 1950s, the car was seized by the authorities and placed in a Romanian museum, where it remained for nearly 30 years
• Around 1989, the car was retrieved by the first owner's son and returned to Germany

Restoration and Mille Miglia Participation

• Sold to Curtis Graf of Texas, USA, in 1991, who commissioned a full professional restoration
• Driven in prestigious events, including:
  • The Great American Race (1991)
  • Mille Miglia of Colorado Grande (1992)
• Purchased in the late 1990s by noted Mercedes collector Rolf Meyer (Germany)
• Participated in the 2000 Mille Miglia retrospective, following an engine overhaul that included:
  • New Mahle pistons
  • Refurbished crankshaft, oil pump, and valves

Bodywork & Modifications

Originally delivered as a cabriolet, the car now features a two-seater sports body, which was patterned on an actual 1924 Sportwagen and resembles the sports model in the Stuttgart Mercedes museum.

• Finished in white with a black hood
• Mounted on its original chassis, which was shortened for a more sporting profile
• Notable modifications include:
  • Larger supercharger
  • Modern alternator electrics
  • Upgraded air filter and cartridge-type oil filter
  • Twin electric cooling fans
  • Hadco distributor

While not fully original, these modifications were carefully integrated to improve reliability while maintaining the car’s authentic character.

Acquisition & Recent Recommissioning

• Purchased in 2003 at the Artcurial auction in Paris by Tom Scott Senior, joining a private collection of fine Mercedes-Benz motorcars
• Stored for display until recently recommissioned by Jim Stokes Workshops (JSW), with work totaling £5,428, including:
  • Oil, coolant, and battery replacement
  • Operational checks confirming correct clutch and gearbox function
  • Brake efficiency concerns noted, with further work advised for frequent road use

JSW's assessment confirmed that the car was brought back into operational condition with minimal difficulty, though additional brake and handling refinements are recommended.