Bad guys, as the saying goes, often have the coolest toys. In the automotive world, this certainly rings true. History is peppered with dictators and despots who possessed incredibly imposing and luxurious vehicles. Think of Josef Stalin’s ZIS-115, Benito Mussolini’s elegant Lancia Astura, or the Mercedes 600 Grosser favored by numerous notorious figures from Idi Amin to Kim Jong-il. However, one car stands out, inextricably linked to perhaps the most infamous leader of the 20th century: Adolf Hitler’s Mercedes-Benz 770K.
This week, we delve into the story of a specific Mercedes-Benz 770K Grosser Offener Tourenwagen, a car not only historically significant due to its association with Hitler but also a compelling artifact as a war trophy seized by Allied forces. This particular vehicle, chassis number 189744, offers a chilling glimpse into history and the opulent vehicles favored by the Nazi elite.
Commissioned initially by Erich Kempka, Hitler’s personal chauffeur for much of World War II, this 770K quickly earned the moniker “fourth Führer-Car” at the factory. While Hitler maintained a fleet of these imposing Mercedes vehicles, each served distinct purposes. Chassis number 189744 was primarily reserved for state occasions, transporting Hitler during visits from foreign dignitaries and parades designed to project power and invincibility. This car was not just a mode of transport; it was a symbol of Nazi authority, carrying Hitler and other infamous figures through pivotal moments in history.
For a vehicle designed to transport such high-profile – and high-risk – individuals during the turbulent 1930s and 40s, security was paramount. The Mercedes 770k boasted state-of-the-art protection for its time. Thick, bulletproof glass and reinforced body panels were designed to withstand rounds up to 30mm shells. Adding to this formidable defense were pop-up armor plates, deployable depending on the perceived threat level. While the convertible design might seem at odds with such heavy security measures, the open-top “Offener Tourenwagen” style served a crucial purpose for propaganda. It allowed Hitler to be visible to crowds during parades and public appearances, projecting an image of power and connection with the German populace.
The precise deployment history of this particular 770K during World War II remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. However, documented evidence confirms its presence at three highly significant historical events. The first, on June 18, 1940, saw Hitler and Mussolini parade side-by-side through Munich in this very Mercedes. Following the fall of France, on July 6, 1940, Hitler again chose chassis 189744 for a victory parade in Berlin, marking the Nazi regime’s apparent triumph in Western Europe. Its final documented appearance in such a grand spectacle was on May 4, 1941, after the conquests of Yugoslavia and Greece, where the 770K once more served as the Führer’s parade vehicle.
As the tide of the war turned in 1943, Allied forces intensified their campaign against Germany. The era of victory parades for the Nazis came to an abrupt end, and with it, the production of the Mercedes 770K ceased. Heavy Allied bombing raids inflicted severe damage on the Sindelfingen factory where these vehicles were meticulously crafted, effectively halting further manufacturing.
In 1945, as Nazi Germany crumbled and Allied forces swept across the country, the US Army discovered and seized a collection of Hitler’s personal vehicles, including this Mercedes 770K. Recognizing its historical significance, rather than destroying it, the Army designated it as a war trophy and transported it to France. There, it became part of a motor pool for US officers. One can only imagine the surreal experience of driving a car so recently associated with unimaginable evil, yet for the Allied soldiers, it must have served as a potent symbol of victory and the vanquishing of tyranny.
After the war, the Mercedes 770K embarked on a fascinating journey through various owners across Europe and the United States. One of the most peculiar exchanges occurred involving A.H. Vander Elst, Jr., a Belgian tobacco magnate. In post-war Europe, tobacco was a highly sought-after commodity. In a remarkable transaction, Vander Elst traded the Mercedes for $1,800 worth of tobacco to Tom N. Austin, another prominent figure in the tobacco industry.
Austin, in turn, donated the car to his local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) branch as a war relic. However, the VFW lacked the resources to properly maintain the complex and luxurious Mercedes. Consequently, it fell into disrepair and was relegated to storage in a shed, its illustrious and dark past fading into obscurity.
In 1976, classic car enthusiasts Steve Munson and Joe Ogden stumbled upon the neglected 770K. Initially believing it to be a car used by SS Commander Heinrich Himmler, they soon uncovered its true, more significant history. Recognizing its immense historical value, they undertook a comprehensive restoration to bring the Mercedes back to its original factory condition. Following its meticulous restoration, the 770K embarked on a new chapter, touring the US and becoming a centerpiece in numerous museum exhibitions. In 1983, casino magnate Ralph Engelstad acquired the car for his Imperial Palace Auto Collection in Las Vegas, Nevada, where it remained on display for many years.
After Engelstad’s death in 2002, his extensive car collection was sold off. The Mercedes 770K returned to Europe, becoming part of a private collection within a significant 21-car lot. Now, nearly eight decades after its construction, this remarkable and infamous vehicle resurfaced for auction through Worldwide Auctioneers in Scottsdale, Arizona. While no pre-auction estimate was publicly disclosed, previous appraisals valued the car at over $1 million, reflecting its rarity, historical importance, and notoriety.
While some may argue for the erasure of such artifacts due to their association with evil, the Mercedes 770K stands as an undeniable and crucial piece of both automotive and world history. It serves as a stark reminder of a dark period and the machinery of power wielded by dictators. Importantly, a portion of the auction proceeds, 10% of the final sale price, was pledged to be donated to organizations dedicated to Holocaust education, ensuring that this dark chapter of history is not forgotten and that lessons are learned to prevent similar atrocities from occurring again. The Mercedes 770K, therefore, exists as a powerful, albeit chilling, testament to history, urging reflection and remembrance.
