Romanian dictator Nicolai Ceausescu's 1973 Mercedes 350 SL roadster is to auction in Stuttgart, Germany.
From 1965 Ceausescu presided over one of the most brutal regimes in the Soviet bloc. He was executed by firing squad when the iron wall fell in 1989.
 Ceausescu presided over one of the Soviet bloc's most brutal regimes |
The car will be auctioned for Romanian children's charity Crosscause, as part of Bonhams' annual Mercedes Benz sale on March 19.
A spokesperson for the charity explained: "Immediately after the revolution of 1989 and the execution of Nicolae Ceausescu, all the failings of the communist regime were highlighted.
"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."
Roadsters in similar condition (but without the communist connection) tend to sell for around the $14,000 mark.
The present lot, which contains parts of the original security system, is expected to make $34,000-57,000.
The car was was extensively renovated before being sold in a 1999 auction of Ceausescu's assets.
Philip Kanto of Bonhams said: "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."
East German president Erich Honecker's 1985 ZIL 115 limousine realised $90,787 at Bonhams in 2006.
The sale will also feature a rare 1962 Mercedes Benz Model K, which is valued at $1.3m.
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