This 1937 Mercedes Benz was the car used by Hitler’s ambassador to Ireland.
The 1937 Mercedes 170V Cabriolet B saloon at Marshs sale in Cork on August 29 was registered to the German Ambassador to Ireland during World War II, Dr. Eduard Hempel. Vintage cars like this one are always highly sought after and its significant history should add considerable value.
The Mercedes – refurbished in 1988/89 and in storage since – will form part of a sale of vintage tractors, lorries, farm machinery and railwayana by Marshs at the Ramble Inn, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork on behalf of Alan and Mary Barry, who are retiring.
Appointed to Dublin by Adolf Hitler in 1937 the career diplomat was pressured to join the Nazi Party in 1938 and remained ambassador until 1945. Formal diplomatic accreditation was maintained during the Second World War because of Irish neutrality. The German legation at 58 Northumberland Road in Dublin was a hub for intelligence gathering and communication, though its effectiveness was limited by strict surveillance by Irish counter intelligence.
It was to Dr. Hempel’s home at Sloperton Road in Dun Laoghaire that Eamon de Valera famously called to express the condolences of the Irish Free State on the death of Hitler in 1945.
After the war Dr. Hempel and his family were granted asylum and remained here until 1950. They then returned to Germany where the former ambassador to Ireland helped set up the diplomatic service for the new Federal Republic.
Seen from the front.