By SEMA News Editors
Special Single-Owner Mercedes-Benz Collection Spearheads RM Sotheby's Upcoming 2026 Paris Auction
RM Sotheby's will return to its traditional home at the Louvre Palace's spectacular Salles du Carrousel on January 28, 2026, for the 13th running of Europe's premier collector car auction in Paris. Following this year's incredible auction that saw the '65 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning '64 Ferrari 250 LM sell for approximately $40,494,284 in the City of Lights, next year's sale is already shaping up to be one to remember with the early consignment of The Silver Star Collection, a six-strong group of some of the German marque's most iconic machines. Leading the collection is a pair of Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs that represent both the very earliest and dying days of production.
Only 167 examples of Mercedes-Benz's groundbreaking super coupé were built in the first year of production, among them this '54 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. Like many, this car was first bound for New York and arrived on US shores finished in White Grey with a green-beige chequered fabric interior. It later returned to Germany and was restored in 2016, re-finished in the ever-popular combination of silver over red with two pieces of fitted luggage trimmed in complementary red leather.
Meanwhile, a '62 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is among the final few hundred examples to leave the Sindelfingen works. One of only 182 Roadsters built in 1962, the car was delivered to England at the start of the year, finished in the Fire Engine Red over Cream combination that it retains today. Beautifully presented following an exacting restoration at the hands of Mercedes-Benz Classic from 2015-2016, the matching-numbers example comes complete with a Mercedes-Benz Classic restoration book and a copy of its factory data card.
The two landmark models are followed by a pair of gullwing icons of a younger generation, the AMG-tuned, 563-horsepower SLS—also presented in matching open and closed configuration. A '13 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé finished in Iridium Silver over a Black and Anthracite Exclusive leather interior is the model in its purest form. This example is well equipped with an AMG performance steering wheel, rearview camera and memory seats.
Offering comparable performance in open-top guise is a '13 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. This time finished in Obsidian Black over Black and Anthracite leather, the Roadster also benefits from an AMG steering wheel, plus carbon ceramic brakes, AMG forged wheels, and an Airscarf system.
The neatly curated six-car collection is rounded out with two more of the Three-Pointed Star's most memorable models. A one-of-520 '10 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster presents beautifully in Crystal Laurit Silver Metallic over Black and Anthracite leather with 19-in. turbine wheels.
Finally, a '69 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL "Pagoda" offers both accessible glamour and timeless style. Restored between 2014 and 2016 in its factory-correct Grey Blue Metallic over Blue leather and to European specifications (it was first delivered to the United States), the elegant convertible pairs a matching-numbers 2.8-L straight-six with a four-speed automatic gearbox and comes complete with a colour-matched hardtop.
Thad Smith Appointed National Sales Director at Dynamat
Dynamat has announced the appointment of Thad Smith as its new national sales director.
Smith brings 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, ranging from managing auto repair and tire shops to leading a large team of business development managers and territory sales managers for a distribution center of a Fortune 200 company.
In his new role, Smith will oversee national sales initiatives, support Dynamat's distributor and dealer networks and drive programs designed to enhance the customer experience. His expertise in developing high-performance teams and his passion for delivering value make him a strong addition to the organization. "I am blessed and excited about this opportunity to lead the sales initiatives for Dynamat. I am passionate about earning your trust, supporting our partners and building relationships to help everyone grow," said Smith.
For more information, visit dynamat.com.
KYB Adds New Marketing Manager and Territory Sales Manager
KYB Americas has announced two key appointments to its staff.
Mike Deckys joins the Central Region sales team as a territory sales manager. With nearly 25 years of automotive aftermarket experience, Deckys brings a wealth of knowledge. He has worked across all levels of distribution with organizations such as Dorman Products, Walker Products and Fisher Auto Parts.
"I'm eager to reconnect with longtime partners, build new relationships and help drive the kind of shared success that strengthens KYB's growth while elevating our customers' performance throughout the region," said Deckys.
Deckys will cover the northern part of KYB's Central Region, which includes Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and more.
Whitney Howard, meanwhile, joins the company with an agency background and has worked with clients such as Mobil 1, FedEx and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. As marketing manager, Howard will develop and execute the KYB media plan, promotions calendar, and social media schedule, among other duties.
Howard said, "I'm excited to join KYB and bring my strategic agency experience to the organization. I'm eager to amplify our story, grow our brand presence, and help solidify KYB's stature in the ride-control industry."
"Whitney is a great addition to our team," said Andy Castleman, director of product and marketing. "She's already brought us several fresh ideas and viewpoints from outside the automotive aftermarket. We threw her in the deep end right away and had her come to AAPEX after only being on the job for a week. She definitely impressed us with her initial observations and ability to learn quickly."
For more information, visit kyb.com.
