Bid Sales

HOW OUR TELEPHONE BID SALES WORK

BIDDING
Written bids (form provided) are accepted for approximately 30 days. Authenticity of the bids are guaranteed by John R. Olson, Inc. The highest three or four (approx.) bidders will be invited to participate in a conference phone call. All final bidders are introduced to the other bidders and their ability to participate verified to Olson, Inc. by a letter-of-introduction from their respective banks at the time of initial bids. This will avoid the cost of a formal “letter of credit” while providing some assurance that everyone is at the right party.

Increased bids will be honored by phone before the group phone call. If for any reason a highest bidder does not fulfill their obligation within five business days, the sale will defer to the next highest bidder, with defaulting bidder(s) responsible for the difference.

FEES
John R. Olson Inc., charges a total of 8.4% to 12.4% (lower as sale price climbs) of the final selling price, divided equally between the buyer and seller, plus a $500 sale implementation fee ONLY to the seller. While there is no announced minimum sale price the seller has one opportunity shortly before the final conference phone call to abort the sale if in the seller and John R. Olson Inc.’s opinion bidding is unrealistic. This has not occurred in previous sales.

The forms for this sale are proprietary and will only be mailed to serious prospects for $20 payable on the phone via credit card. There are no other up-front fees for bidders.

INSPECTIONS
Serious shoppers are in most cases able to talk with the current owner and view key historical records. John R. Olson, Inc., also prepares a detailed "Condition Report" of strengths and weaknesses. Personal inspections (or sending your mechanic) are handled as you would in a private sale. Cars can be seen and driven (weather and condition permitting) by appointment at a service facility with hoist, between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM on weekdays. Airport and/or lodging suggestions will be made when appointments are made.

Direct all seller and buyer inquiries through John Olson. If he is not available at his office, 612-377-0155, send an e-mail to JohnOlson@MBseek.com

WHY THIS IS A GOOD IDEA
First, bidders can learn more about this car up front than is ever available about cars at auctions; you have all the opportunity of a normal car purchase to inspect the car, drive it, and study its service records. Secondly, John R. Olson Inc., guarantees the authenticity of all bids, another big concern about auctions. Functioning without huge overhead, our administration fee is also considerably lower.

For bidders, the sale essentially comes to you in the convenience of your office or home (or car!). Our accompanying Condition Reports are conservative but cannot replace each bidder's responsibility for final value or suitability for his or her purposes.

Cordially,
John Olson


Mercedes-Benz Bid Sales Past Examples

	1955 300SL Coupé SOLD: 1955 300SL Coupé. Owned for 43 Years by the world-renowned 300SL expert, Lynn Yakel (car #5500308). This car had received all the most desirable and rare updates, many no longer available. When John Olson drove the car during the summer he declared it, "The best performing Gullwing I've ever driven! Acceleration, shifting, cornering, braking ... such a treat to feel and hear." No surprise to Lynn who's LYCO ENGINEERING INC. (734-459-7313) still supplies 300SL parts world-wide. Sold by MBseek in 2007 for $475,000.

	1956 300SL Coupé SOLD: 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupé. Show Caliber body-off restoration completed in 1999 by world famous 300SL specialist Jerry Hjeltness. Sport cam, fitted luggage, trophies and a 33 year history with same owner. DB180 Silver Metallic with Dark Blue leather. Sold by MBseek for $400,000.

	1957 300SL Roadster SOLD: 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, body off, bolt-by-bolt eight year restoration, by well known midwest USA Mercedes restorer Bruce Kelly. Rare black exterior with genuine Roser leather in Red. This is a soft top only car. Offered with special 300 series transmission ratios for faster acceleration in first three gears. Final price undisclosed at participant request.


	1954 300SL Coupé (Gull Wing) SOLD: 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupé (Gull Wing). Older frame off restoration in early 1990s; while still impressive to most eyes, to be competitive in car shows some refurbishing needed. Original Rudge knock-off wheels. Past owners include Dupont Nemoirs. Records support 67,000 miles. All numbers match original factory records. Sold by MBseek.

	1955 300SL Coupé (Gull Wing) SOLD: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupé (Gull Wing). Trophy winner in the 1990s with the ultimate options, Rudge knock-off wheels and fitted luggage. Original bill of sale and other records support 53,000 miles. All numbers match original factory records. Recent storage in less then ideal conditions will require repaint. Sold by MBseek.

	1955 300SL Coupé (Gull Wing) SOLD:1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupé (Gull Wing). Unrestored 80,000 mile car, needing paint, interior, and resealing of most engine and drive train seals, but with excellent compression. Known California history. Sold by MBseek.

	1988 300E AMG Mileage: 19,146 According to the current owner, the original owner was professional baseball player Robert Deer Direct buyer inquiries through John Olson: 612-377-0155 Email: JohnOlson@MBseek.com or Greg@AMGmarket.com

Other sample Mercedes-Benz sales through John R. Olson's Bid Sale Program:
SOLD: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupé, 29,400 miles SOLD: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupé, Wrecked condition SOLD: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupé, One owner SOLD: 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster, Low miles

Bid Sales

1955 300SL Coupé

1956 300SL Coupé

1957 300SL Roadster

1954 300SL Coupé (Gull Wing)

1955 300SL Coupé (Gull Wing)

1955 300SL Coupé (Gull Wing)

1988 300E AMG

1954 300SL Coupé
(Gull Wing)

1955 300SL Coupé
(Gull Wing)

1955 300SL Coupé
(Gull Wing)