The Mercedes 22/40 HP Colonial Double Phaeton was made for rugged Argentinian roads.
Remember the wild collection of vintage Mercedes cars that we announced a few months back? Well, we finally have a look at one that seemed illusive at first. We found plenty of information on the cars with race pedigree, but there was one we couldn’t nail down. And now we know more about it thanks to AutoEvolution. It’s the Colonial Double Phaeton, and what a sight it is to behold.
Officially called the 22/40 HP, this 1911 Mercedes is something we don’t usually feature here. Although the engine is a modern size at 5.6 liters, the output is a simple 40 horsepower. Specific configuration of this particular model meant it had dual chain rear drive instead of a modern drive shaft. Chains, coupled with oversize wheels were selected for the Argentinian owner who’d navigate the country’s unfinished roads. Double phaeton means it has an additional row of seats. More fun with more friends.
What’s mainly interesting about this car is that it is pre-merger. We use that often for AMG, but this is before Mercedes adopted the Benz portion of its name, as well. Gottlieb Daimler had introduced the Mercedes models of cars in the early 1900’s. And this car preceded a merger with Carl Benz’s engineering outfit by fifteen years. So just Mercedes here.
Presented in mostly original condition by RM Sothebys, this Double Phaeton is claimed to be currently running. An older restoration retained original engine ignition items, along with numerous interior detail points like the coachwork tag. However a new owner would be advised to source new tires, and repair the wheels. And maybe learn the non-traditional layout of the vehicle controls.
An impressive amount of documentation is presented with this car, with build documents noting the engine and chassis number. Documentation also notes the Colonial drive axle option, along with its exportation to Argentina to its original owner. More documents also cover the car’s arrival at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s museum. In all, it showcases a very well documented and mostly original car from the very early years of Mercedes.
Photos courtesy of AutoEvolution
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