Rare 1903 Mercedes dubbed the ‘world’s first supercar’ sells for £8.6million

A RARE 1903 Mercedes dubbed the “world’s first supercar” has sold for £8.6million.

Its hammer price has made it the most expensive pre-1930s motor ever bought at auction.

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The 1903 Mercedes dubbed the ‘world’s first supercar’ has sold for £8.6million[/caption]

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The ‘supercar’ could reach speeds of 80mph[/caption]

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The car spent six decades on display at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hants[/caption]

The Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP — which could reach 80mph and was then the fastest production car in the world — is one of only five left.

It was bought 121 years ago by newspaper magnate Alfred Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Northcliffe.

The car later spent six decades on display at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hants.

It has one of the earliest London City Council registration numbers — A 740.

It was sold in Florida by Gooding & Company, with Brit Bargain Hunt star Charlie Ross the auctioneer.

He said: “It was a real thrill to be there for such an iconic piece of motoring history.”

“The marquee was packed and the bidding started at $5 million (£3.9m), swiftly moving through the gears to $10 million (£7.8m).

“It then became a two-way battle which ended with the hammer falling at a breathtaking $11 million (£8.6m )- yet another world record for Gooding and Company.”

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Unlike most modern-day supercars, the Mercedes has generous legroom for backseat passengers[/caption]