The Mercedes-Benz 680 S-Type, introduced in 1927, stands as a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design from the pre-war era. Designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, who was then Mercedes’ chief engineer, the 680 S was an evolution of the earlier ‘K’ model, aiming squarely at the sports and competitive driving market of its time. With a low center of gravity and a chassis built for spirited performance, the 680 S quickly garnered accolades on both sides of the Atlantic.
In its debut year alone, the 680 S secured an impressive tally of 27 racing victories and set 10 new records, showcasing its prowess on the track. Racing legends such as Rudolf Caracciola and Adolf Rosenberger further solidified its competitive pedigree, adding numerous tournament wins and hill climb trophies to Mercedes’ collection. Across the ocean, Ralph DePalma drove one to victory in Atlantic City, underscoring its international acclaim.
This specific 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680 S-Type underwent a bespoke transformation at H. Glaser-Karosserie in Dresden, Germany. Custom details included distinctive helmet-style front fenders, Veed windshield, cut-down doors, and wire wheels with copper-plated brake drums. The hood panels were adorned with twin rows of 57 louvers each, emphasizing both aerodynamics and aesthetic appeal. Originally delivered to Louis Delling of Dresden, the car eventually found its way to the United States in the 1950s, where it passed through several discerning owners.
Notably, the car was in the possession of John E. Riegel from 1964 until 2021. Riegel, an avid collector and enthusiast, cherished the Mercedes-Benz, using it daily in its earlier years and proudly showcasing it at prestigious shows and concours d’elegance events later on. The car’s journey with the Riegel family included a thorough restoration in the mid-1960s, which reinstated its striking black and yellow color scheme and earned it consistent first-place finishes at various concours events.
Throughout its life, this 680 S-Type exemplified a blend of elegance and performance, characteristics that define classic Mercedes-Benz automobiles. Its 6.8-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, producing 120 horsepower, ensured formidable performance both on the road and the occasional track. Today, it is recognized as one of the few surviving examples of the 680 S-Type, a testament to its rarity and historical significance.
Following its sale by the Riegel family in 2021, the Mercedes-Benz 680 S-Type continues to be meticulously maintained by its current caretaker. Its presence in the automotive world serves as a reminder of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to engineering excellence and luxury craftsmanship during the golden age of motoring. As one of the last remaining examples with such a storied history, this 680 S-Type stands as a cherished artifact of automotive heritage, embodying the spirit of innovation and performance that defined an era.
