Rare 1904 Mercedes Simplex 40 HP Previously Owned by Adolphus Busch Expected to Reach $6 Million

A Historic Masterpiece Hits the Auction Block

The RM Sotheby's Monterey auction is famous for its high-value offerings, yet the 1904 Mercedes Simplex 40 HP from the Owls Head Transportation Museum remains a standout entry. With a valuation between $5,000,000 and $6,000,000, the vehicle is widely considered one of the most vital cars from the Veteran era to be presented at public auction in recent years.

The Blueprint of the Modern Automobile

Debuting in 1903, the 40 HP model served as the pinnacle of the innovative Mercedes Simplex series. It featured a robust 6.7-liter four-cylinder T-head engine, a sophisticated honeycomb radiator, and a revolutionary four-speed transmission featuring an H-pattern gear layout. All of these components were integrated onto the industry's inaugural modern C-channel steel chassis. This design established the standard automotive configuration that virtually all competitors would adopt for decades.

A Distinguished Provenance

The vehicle's history begins with an order placed by Emil Jellinek in the summer of 1903. By 1909, the car was in the possession of Adolphus Busch, the co-founder of Anheuser-Busch, who maintained it at his German estate. Following its time with Busch, the Mercedes became a centerpiece in the renowned collections of George Waterman and Kirk Gibson. It was later acquired by former IBM president Thomas J. Watson Jr., who commissioned a restoration in 1971. Watson eventually established the Owls Head Transportation Museum in Maine, donating the car to the institution in 1977, where it has been housed ever since.

Unrivaled Originality

What sets this particular unit apart is the extraordinary degree of its factory-original components. Elements such as the aluminum panels, floorboards, fenders, and even the ignition system remain largely untouched, a rare feat for a 120-year-old vehicle that has seen actual road use. Regarding the vehicle's historical significance, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center recently conducted an on-site inspection—a rare honor for a car located outside of Germany. Furthermore, the Royal Automobile Club has extended an invitation for the car to participate in the prestigious 2026 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

The sale of this automotive icon will directly support the STEM education initiatives hosted by the Owls Head Transportation Museum.