The Facts
Bonhams has confirmed a further selection of cars for its forthcoming Zoute Sale at the Zoute Grand Prix in Knokke Heist on 11 October 2026. Leading the sale is a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster with an estimate of €1,150,000 - €1,450,000. The car, chassis no. 198.042-10-002873, was completed on 26 July 1961 and delivered new in Germany, and has undergone a frame-off restoration by German specialist Lars Rombelsheim of LARO Sportwagen. Also offered are a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster (estimate €350,000 - €400,000), a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet (estimate €250,000 - €320,000), a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé (estimate €280,000 - €320,000), and a 1979 BMW M1 Coupé (estimate €450,000 - €550,000). These lots are in addition to the previously announced Keller Brothers Collection, a curated set of 1960s to 2000s Italian classic and sports cars from a private Swiss collector, all offered at no reserve.
The Signal
The Zoute Sale underscores the sustained strength of the top-tier collector car market, particularly for Mercedes-Benz models with documented provenance and expert restoration. The 300 SL Roadster's condition '1' rating and three-owner history from new signal the premium placed on originality and meticulous care, while the no-reserve Keller Brothers Collection offers a rare opportunity for buyers seeking Italian sports cars without price guarantees. For collectors, the sale provides a benchmark for values of post-war European classics, especially as the market continues to favor cars with factory-correct specifications and verifiable histories.
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- People: Lars Rombelsheim, Giorgetto Giugiaro
- Auction Houses: Bonhams
- Locations: Knokke Heist, Zoute, Belgium
- Prices: €1,150,000 - €1,450,000, €350,000 - €400,000, €250,000 - €320,000, €280,000 - €320,000, €450,000 - €550,000
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