Bad guys, as the saying goes, often have the most captivating possessions, and when it comes to automobiles, history certainly bears this out. From Josef Stalin’s imposing ZIS-115 to Benito Mussolini’s elegant Lancia Astura, and the Mercedes 600 Grosser favored by dictators like Idi Amin and Kim Jong-Il, powerful figures throughout history have been drawn to powerful cars. Among these infamous vehicles, the 770k Mercedes, particularly those associated with Adolf Hitler, holds a uniquely sinister place.
This week, we delve into the story of a particularly significant 770k mercedes, a Mercedes-Benz 770K Grosser Offener Tourenwagen with a chilling connection to one of history’s most reviled figures: Adolf Hitler. This isn’t just any classic car; it’s a war trophy, seized from the Nazi regime by Allied forces, imbued with historical weight and a dark legacy.
This specific 770k mercedes was commissioned by Erich Kempka, Hitler’s personal chauffeur for much of World War II. Upon completion, the Mercedes factory designated it as the “fourth Führer-Car,” a testament to its intended purpose. While Hitler maintained a fleet of these imposing Mercedes vehicles, each served different functions. Chassis number 189744, the focus of our story, was primarily reserved for state occasions, transporting visiting heads of state and dignitaries alongside the Nazi dictator himself. This 770k mercedes thus became a rolling stage for some of the most consequential and nefarious figures of the 1930s and 40s.
For a vehicle designed to transport such prominent individuals during a volatile era, security was paramount. This 770k mercedes boasted cutting-edge (for the time) protective features. Thick bulletproof windows and reinforced panels provided substantial defense, reportedly capable of withstanding 30mm shells. Adding to its defensive capabilities, pop-up armor plates could be deployed depending on the perceived threat level. While the convertible design might seem incongruous with such heavy security, it served the dual purpose of protection and allowing the infamous dictator to be seen by the masses he sought to control.
The wartime service history of this particular 770k mercedes is partially documented, revealing its presence at several pivotal historical junctures. The records confirm its use in three significant events, beginning on June 18, 1940. On this date, amidst the early triumphs of Nazi Germany, Hitler and Mussolini rode side-by-side in this very 770k mercedes during a parade in Munich, solidifying their alliance for the world to witness.
Following the fall of France, on July 6, 1940, another victory parade was staged. Again, Hitler selected chassis 189744 to mark the occasion, driving through celebratory crowds and basking in the perceived glory of conquest. The final documented appearance occurred on May 4, 1941, after the Nazi regime had seized control of Yugoslavia and Greece. For this parade, celebrating further expansion and dominance, the Führer once more chose this specific 770k mercedes as his vehicle of choice.
By 1943, the tide of World War II began to turn against Germany as Allied forces intensified their efforts. The grand victory parades ceased, and with them, production of the 770K drew to a close. Heavy Allied bombing raids on Sindelfingen, the location of the Mercedes factory producing the 770k mercedes, inflicted severe damage, effectively halting further manufacturing.
In 1945, as Nazi Germany crumbled and Allied forces liberated the country, the US Army discovered and confiscated numerous vehicles belonging to Hitler and his regime. Among these spoils of war was this very 770k mercedes. Recognizing its historical significance, the Army opted against destruction, designating it a war trophy and transporting it to France.
Once in France, the 770k mercedes became part of a motor pool for US Army officers. One can only imagine the complex emotions associated with driving a vehicle so intimately linked to evil, yet for the victorious soldiers, it must have served as a potent symbol of triumph, a stark contrast to its former purpose.
The post-war journey of this 770k mercedes took several unexpected turns, passing through various owners in Europe and the United States. One particularly unusual transaction involved A.H. Vander Elst, Jr., a Belgian tobacco company owner. In the scarcity of post-war Europe, tobacco was a valuable commodity. In a remarkable exchange, Vander Elst traded the 770k mercedes for $1,800 worth of tobacco to Tom N. Austin, another prominent figure in the tobacco industry.
Austin, viewing the 770k mercedes as a war relic, donated it to his local Veterans of Foreign Wars branch. However, the VFW lacked the resources to maintain such a complex and luxurious vehicle. The 770k mercedes soon fell into disrepair, relegated to storage in a shed, its illustrious and infamous past seemingly fading into obscurity.
In 1976, classic car collectors Steve Munson and Joe Ogden stumbled upon the neglected 770k mercedes. Initially believing it to be a car used by SS Commander Heinrich Himmler, they soon uncovered its true, even more significant history. Recognizing the immense historical importance of the vehicle, they undertook a full restoration to bring the 770k mercedes back to its original factory condition.
Following its meticulous restoration, the 770k mercedes embarked on a new journey, touring the United States and becoming a featured exhibit in numerous museums. In 1983, casino magnate Ralph Engelstad acquired the car, adding it to his Imperial Palace Auto Collection in Las Vegas, Nevada, where it remained on display for many years.
After Engelstad’s passing in 2002, his estate liquidated his extensive collection. The 770k mercedes returned to Europe, becoming part of a private collection within a large 21-car lot. Now, nearly eight decades after its creation, this remarkable and notorious 770k mercedes is once again offered for auction through Worldwide Auctioneers in Scottsdale, Arizona. While no official estimate is publicly available, previous appraisals have valued this vehicle in excess of one million dollars, reflecting its rarity and historical significance.
While the ethical implications of preserving and potentially celebrating a vehicle so closely tied to Adolf Hitler are undeniable, many argue that this 770k mercedes is a vital artifact of both automotive and world history. It serves as a tangible reminder of a dark period, a rolling testament to the excesses and horrors of the Nazi regime.
Adding a measure of redemption to its sale, 10% of the final auction price will be donated to organizations dedicated to Holocaust education. This commitment seeks to ensure that the legacy of this 770k mercedes, while undeniably intertwined with evil, can also contribute to educating future generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust and the importance of preventing similar horrors from ever happening again.
