1965 Mercedes-Cobra Roadster to Fetch Some $1.2 Million

1965 Mercedes-Cobra Roadster (3)

Next month, at the RM Monterey Auction, this gorgeous 1965 Mercedes-Cobra Roadster will sell for approximately $800,000 – $1.2 million. Created by Virgil M. Exner and his son Virgil Exner Jr., the vehicle received a modern interpretation of a Mercedes Raceabout by Carrozzeria Sibona-Basano and was built on a Cobra chassis.

Both the exterior and the interior of the car demonstrates the diversity of brass and copper by boasting many different alloys. A total of eleven different materials, finishes and alloys can be seen in this car. In order to beautifully preserve the copper and brass parts, protective acrylic coatings were added wherever necessary. A strong chromium-copper alloy was used for the spokes of the steering wheel, brass covers were used for the 16-inch wire wheels and copper was utilized for the dash board gauges, door panels, seat backs and interior trims.

A pearl-white exterior finish and a black leather interior beautifully complement the luxe design of the roadster. For protection, the car has a full-width plexiglass windscreen. After its completion, the Mercedes-Cobra travelled on six continents, showing the world the adaptability and versatility of brass and copper.

In the early ‘70s, it was bought by concept-car collector Joe Bortz, then it went on to Jim Southard, Al Wright and Tom Barrett. For the last two decades, the car belonged to the Lyon family, who purchased it in 1989. Are you ready to be its next owner?