1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Roadster
1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Roadster

1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Roadster

Soon after the merger of Mercedes and Benz, the two started developing the world’s fastest sports cars. They were based on the heavy and powerful M06 engine designed by Ferdinand Porsche and became known as the White Elephants for their brute force. The 680 Type-S was the first of this series which would mature into a legendary line of racecars that had little comparable competition until years later.

1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Roadster
1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Roadster

At the time Mercedes-Benz had their own Sindelfingen factory for producing bodywork which was generally superior to anything else on the market. Saoutchik was probably the only independent body builder that could rival the best from Mercedes. He used exotic materials such as Purpleheart wood trim and lizard-skin upholstery.

1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Roadster
1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Roadster

In Paris, Jacques Saoutchik created easily his most striking pre-war car on the 680 S-type chassis. The design took advantage of the Type 680’s low slung chassis and did without running boards. Furthermore a low windshield, tasteful copper-nickel alloy accents and a sophisticated disappearing top added dramatic effect to sporting character of the chassis.