Mercedes-Benz 36/220 S-Type May Fetch $2.3M At Auction

The 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 S-Type Four Seater Sports Tourer was once owned by Oscar-winning actor Peter Ustinov.
 

This 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 S-Type is nearly 100 years old. So, by now the car has depreciated to the point where it can be picked up on the cheap, right? After all, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class that is just ten years old is worth a small fraction of its original MSRP. Well, the car being offered for sale at the Bonhams Bond Street auction, is nothing like the S-Class from 2015. Add to it the fact that the car was once owned by a famous British actor and the pre-auction estimate of $1,700,000 – $2,300,000 makes a lot more sense.
 
The incredible thing is that even with an estimate well over $2 million, the 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 S-Type being offered is not a fully restored, better than new museum piece. In fact, it has not been driven in nearly 40 years. It is not in bad shape, but it needs a fresh restoration, and restoring a car like this isn’t going to be cheap either. But only 174 of these magnificent cars were ever built. The opportunity to buy one, in any condition, is extremely rare. So, if you have the cash, you might want to take a shot on this one.
 

Porsche History
Professor Ferdinand Porsche was responsible for quite a few cars before any had his name on the hood. And the S-model Mercedes is one of his masterpieces from the time he worked at Daimler-Benz.
 
It was his vison that lead to some of the early iconic supercharged Mercedes cars. The car offered for sale here is powered by a massive 6.8-liter supercharged engine. The UK designation for this model was 36/220.
 
Chassis #35952 History
The 1928 Mercedes-Benz S-Type (chassis 35952) has a notable history, including long-term ownership by British actor and humanitarian Peter Ustinov. Originally delivered to the UK without a body, its early ownership details are unclear until 1950, when records show it changing hands before Ustinov acquired it in 1951.
 

The car was displayed at the Montagu Motor Museum from the mid-1950s and, after Ustinov donated it to the National Motor Museum Trust in the 1970s, it was fully restored. It later participated in major historic events, including the 1986 FIVA International Rally and the 1987 Mille Miglia, where it is believed to have last run.
 
Engine Rebuild Needed
A recent condition report shows that the Mercedes was hastily prepared for the 1987 Mille Miglia, leaving key mechanical issues unresolved. The engine runs but lacks oil pressure and needs a full rebuild. Several components—including the bulkhead, running boards, wiring, and fuel system—were fitted or modified only enough to function temporarily and now require proper restoration.
 
Despite these issues, the car comes with extensive documentation and remains a historically significant 1920s Mercedes supercar once owned by a famous actor. It is offered as a rewarding restoration project. We wish the next owner a lot of luck with this project. This is a car that deserves to be put back into proper working order.