A car originally owned by the Romanian Communist dictator Nicolae Ceau?escu will be offered at Bonhams later this month, to raise funds for those still affected by his brutal regime.
The 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Roadster will be sold as part of the Bonhams’ dedicated Mercedes-Benz auction at the company’s German headquarters.
The Mercedes still includes parts of the security system installed by the Romanian secret police, including a Becker Mexico radio, and a Becker short-wave radio systemconcealed in the glove compartment.
"The sale presents a wonderful opportunity to raise money for an incredibly deserving charity through the sale of a motor car so closely connected to Romania’s turbulent history," said Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Motoring Director.
Ceau?escu led the Communist party of Romania from 1965 until 1989, when a popular revolution overthrew his savage dictatorship.
Following his swift execution by firing squad in , Ceau?escus’ estate – including this car – was auctioned off by the Romanian government in 1999.
Now it will be offered once again, with all proceeds benefiting CrossCause, an Irish charity which supports and educates special-needs orphans in Eastern Europe and Africa.
"Immediately after the revolution of 1989 and the execution of Nicolae Ceau?escu, all the failings of the communist regime were highlighted,” said a spokesman for the charity.
“One of these major failings concerned the children. The funds raised by the sale of this Mercedes will go to benefit the children who suffered at the hands of this regime."
The Bonhams Mercedes-Benz Sale takes place in Stuttgart, Germany, on March 19.
