A 1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 limousine belonging to Greek diva Maria Callas (1923-1977) is to star in Artcurial's July 20 sale in Monte Carlo.
The lot is one of 11 cars in the auction and carries an estimate of $65,818-109,698.
 The consignor bought the 1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 in 1971 |
It was bought from Callas by the consignor in 1971 and is offered in exceptional condition.
The auction house explains: "One day in 1971, our (future) collector went to the Mercedes Longchamp dealership and purchased a Mercedes-Benz 600, one owner from new, which was registered in the United States, in the state of Vermont.
"Thanks to complicated customs issues Mercedes-Benz brought into contact the new and the old owner, which was Maria Callas.
"Although from very different worlds, the two personalities made friends, followed by fairly crisp correspondence between the two…
"To allow the new owner to drive his car without any problems during the customs clearance procedure, the Diva gave him special permission, on paper bearing the letterhead of her Georges Mandel Avenue address, and hand signed by her."
Other lots include a 1992 Lamborghini Diablo, which is valued at $43,879-87,758.
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