Two Mercedes that belonged to Maria Callas up for auction in Monaco

On Monday, July 20, auction house Artcurial is putting up for sale a collection of 11 cars from the estate of a friend of the Callas family, including two limousines that belonged to the famous opera singer herself.

Offered without reserve, these two Mercedes-Benz 600 limousines, from 1966 and 1971, are estimated at between €60,000 and €100,000.

First presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963, the Mercedes 600 aimed to break into the luxury market until then dominated by Rolls-Royce and Bentley. The idea was also to seduce the stars of show business, as was the case with Maria Callas. The Mercedes 600 was celebrated for combining power (250hp), technology (a complex 150-bar (2,176 psi)) hydraulic pressure system powered the automobile's windows, seats, sun-roof, trunk lid and automatically closing doors) and comfort (adjustable air suspension delivered excellent ride quality and sure handling over any road surface).

There will be other collectors' cars in the sale, including a 1989 Aston Martin Lagonda series 4, the final evolution of this famous model. There are thought to be less than 100 examples existing today anywhere in the world, and this one is estimated at between €40,000 and €60,000. There will also be a stunning yellow 1992 Lamborghini Diablo (€40,000-€80,000) and superbly restored 1944 Dodge Command Car (€4,000-€6,000). Also worth mentioning: a Rolls-Royce Corniche III (€40,000-€60,000) and a 1965 Bentley S3 (€25,000-€35,000).

All of the cars from the auction will be on show at the Place du Casino (Casino Square) in Monaco on Sunday and Monday, the 19th and 20th of July. The auction itself will take place on July 20, beginning at 5pm at the hotel Hermitage. This will not be the only sale of the day though, as Artcurial will simultaneously be running watch and jewelry auctions throughout the day.

The 'Succession d'un ami de Maria Callas' auction will take place on Monday, July 20, at 5pm in the salon Belle époque at the Hotel Hermitage in Monaco. For more info, go to artcurial.com.