Robert Stack 300SL Roadster leads Auctions America's debut California sale

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster. Lot No. 521. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Auctions America

AUBURN, Ind. – Alert the Untouchables fans, Auctions America will offer the 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster originally purchased by Desi Arnaz for Robert Stack at its highly anticipated California sale at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, Aug. 1-3.

Purchased new by Arnaz in 1960, the actor gifted the 300SL Roadster to fellow television legend, Robert Stack, as a celebratory gift for winning the Emmy Award for Best Actor in 1960. The car, which remains almost entirely original, including its original hardtop and leather interior, is presented for sale to the public for the first time in more than 50 years. Offered without reserve, it will be sold to the highest bidder.

The 300SL Roadster leads a magnificent roster of highly desirable European collector cars secured for Auctions America’s upcoming California auction, including a matching-numbers 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona with tan interior and Borrani wire wheels, and a freshly restored 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino complete with Daytona seats, factory air-conditioning, Becker radio and mouse hair dash.

For Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, another early highlight for the SoCal sale is a 1974 Mercedes-Benz 600 LWB Pullman Limousine, showing just 48,000 miles from new and offered without reserve. The very late production car features an anthracite grey metallic exterior with black interior, a division window and a custom stereo and refrigerator. The Pullman is joined by a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Convertible with a navy blue metallic exterior, navy leather interior and a rare 3.5 liter V-8 engine, along with a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster presented in perfectly restored condition.

1968 Porsche 911 Soft Window Targa. Lot No. 810. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Auctions America

The exceptional roster of early European highlights is rounded out by a 1968 Porsche 911 Soft Window Targa, finished in the incredibly rare and highly desirable color combination of Irish Green with brown leatherette upholstery. The car boasts a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, headrests, Blaupunkt “Frankfurt” Radio and oil tank. Discerning collectors can also look forward to a 1994 Jaguar XJ220 Supercar resplendent in Brilliant silver with a grey interior and showing just 1,100 miles from new.

“Auctions America’s dedicated presence in Southern California has allowed our experienced team of specialists to handpick European cars for the sale in response to local client demand,” says Shelby Myers, car specialist, Auctions America. “The 300SL Roadster’s celebrity provenance and stunning good looks make it the perfect match to our California event. Early interest in the sale has been tremendous, as reflected in the exciting docket of cars consigned to date, and this leading consignment, coupled with exclusive NBC Sports Network live coverage, promise to make the sale a debut not to be missed.”

Held at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, August 1-3, 2013, Auctions America’s multi-day California sale will lift the gavel on more than 400 quality collector cars, including a diverse assortment of American and European classics and sport cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods and customs, catering to a broad range of automotive tastes and budgets. Exclusive live television coverage of the event will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network, Aug. 2 from 7-9pm EDT and Aug. 3 from 1-5pm EDT.

For a frequently updated list of entries and full event details, visit auctionsamerica.com or call toll-free 888-990-3910 (or +1 310-842-3910 outside North America).