Mercedes-Benz 290 Tourer Cabriolet

A pre-war Mercedes-Benz W18 290 in long-wheelbase Tourer form, with six seats and a 2.9-litre six-cylinder engine driving through a four-speed manual gearbox. It is right-hand drive, which the dealer says makes it unusually rare.

Built in 1932, it was sent new to Tanzania for the German Consul in Dar es Salaam and fitted with extras for that role. It stayed in East Africa until 1987, when it returned to the UK. It then passed to a collector of pre-war Mercedes and later to a Mercedes-Benz club member. It has since been used on overseas club rallies.

The paintwork appears to be original, and the tan exterior and brown leather interior show patina. The history file includes the original handbook, import papers and many old receipts, and the chassis and engine numbers are stated to match. The car has recently had an underbody dry-ice clean, and more than £10,000 has been spent on it this year. Price is on application.