This unique car will be appearing in the UK for the first time since 1958, when it was under the ownership of British Racing Drivers’ Club co-founder Earl Howe. This car was fitted with a revolutionary body which incorporated a lightweight and aerodynamic shell with unique aircraft-inspired aluminium side pods crafted by English coachbuilders Barker.
The 1929 Mercedes-Benz S-Type Barker Tourer ‘Boat Tail’ is one of the most iconic and visually striking classic cars ever produced. It’s an exquisite example of automotive design and craftsmanship from the late 1920s. The S-Type, known as the “Super Mercedes,” was introduced in 1927 as part of the Mercedes-Benz S-series (which includes the S, SS, SSK, and SSKL models). These cars were designed for high performance and luxury, embodying the best of both worlds.
Engine:
The S-Type was equipped with a 6.8-liter supercharged inline-6 engine capable of producing up to 180 horsepower with the supercharger engaged. This made it one of the most powerful and fastest cars of its time, capable of reaching speeds over 100 mph.
The “Barker” in the name refers to Barker & Co., a famous British coachbuilder known for creating bespoke, high-end car bodies. Barker was known for its elegance and attention to detail, and this particular car is a prime example.
The “Boat Tail” design is one of the most distinctive features of this model. The rear of the car tapers off in a streamlined fashion, resembling the stern of a boat, which was both a design statement and a nod to the era’s fascination with aerodynamics and speed.
The car is a four-seater tourer with a luxurious interior, typically finished in high-quality leather and wood, reflecting the opulence of the time.
Historical Significance:
The 1929 Mercedes-Benz S-Type Barker Tourer ‘Boat Tail’ is a highly sought-after vehicle among collectors due to its rarity, craftsmanship, and historical importance.
Only a handful of these cars were built, and each one was custom-made, meaning no two were exactly alike.
This model is often seen at prestigious classic car events, such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it has won numerous awards for its beauty and engineering excellence.
The S-Type series, especially the models with bespoke bodies like the Barker Tourer, helped cement Mercedes-Benz’s reputation as a producer of luxury performance cars. The combination of powerful engineering and sophisticated design made these cars symbols of wealth and status during the late 1920s and beyond.
The 1929 Mercedes-Benz S-Type Barker Tourer ‘Boat Tail’ is a true masterpiece of automotive history, representing the peak of luxury and performance in the pre-war era.
Based on the 1927 Mercedes S-Type, the unique ‘Boat Tail’ was one of the most powerful road-going automobiles in the world in period, developed as the perfect road-going, race capable car.
Originally owned by racing enthusiast and British Racing Drivers’ Club co-founder Earl Howe, this car was fitted with a revolutionary body which incorporated a lightweight and aerodynamic shell with unique aircraft-inspired aluminium side pods crafted by English coachbuilders Barker.