‘Doctor to the stars’ Ignacio Barraquer was a prestigious Catalonian ophthalmologist (eye doctor) who was internationally famous for his advances in cataract surgery. But what he’s famous for here at Catawiki is his incredible car collection. He grew his collection to include some of the most sought-after classic cars in the world, including this highly desirable Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupe which came up for auction. Read on to discover the origins of the professor's car collection and find out if you could be the next owner of the Benz...
His development of new techniques and great results gave the professor an international reputation, and his clinic was attended by public figures, celebrities and members of numerous different royal families.
A Personal Passion
Now before the opening of the clinic, Professor Barraquer’s car collection was incredible, to say the least. Some of his most fascinating vehicles included a Ford Model T from 1910, a Stuzt from 1920, a Sunbeam from 1913, an Alfa Romeo RL racing 'Targa Florio' from 1922 and a Hispano Suiza H6B from 1923. But after the opening of his clinic was when he fell in love with Mercedes-Benz...
Firstly, he purchased a Typ 200 Cabriolet A in 1934. Swiftly after that, one of his clients was so grateful for his services, that he was gifted a notorious Mercedes-Benz 540 K Autobahn Kurier from 1939, followed finally, by his final car purchase: a Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupe from 1953.
Showing off the Mercedes-Benz 300s
The 300 coupe model is known for its craftsmanship, luxury and elegance. There are few original models and they are difficult to get hold of, which in turn makes them excellent pieces for classic cars lovers. Nowadays, there are very few remaining from the 216 cars that were manufactured, and Barraquer’s is almost certainly the most well preserved.
This fantastic intense black coupe is in very good condition, without any restoration and with all its original features like paint and upholstery. Consequently, this vehicle has been valued at €495,000 - €643,000 and will be in our Classic Car auction until the 26th of October (2017).
Wow! Would you like to see more of this fantastic car? Then click here to read the full specs and find out how to set up a viewing! And if Ignacio's story inspired you to start collecting yourself, check out the rest of our Classic Cars auction. We have hundreds of different, but equally amazing cars for you to bid on. Additionally, you can register here to become a seller and offer up your own classics for auction. Could yours be the next car we feature?