Among the artifacts at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, an ink-black Mercedes-Benz 770 W150 limousine from the 1930s stands out. Once used by Adolf Hitler, the imposing car has sparked debate over its historical significance and the ethics of displaying it.
The “Grosser” Mercedes, a cutting-edge vehicle for its time, features a convertible top, reinforced armor, and a stand-up seat designed for speeches. It was not merely transportation but a propaganda tool used to project power and influence. Its cracked passenger-side glass, left unrepaired as a testament to its history, adds to its haunting aura.
The Journey to Canada
The car’s odyssey began in May 1945 near Laufen, Germany, where U.S. Army Sgt. Joe Azara discovered it on a railway flatcar amidst retreating German forces. Despite damage from small arms fire, Azara and his unit commandeered it and later converted it into a staff vehicle. By August 1945, the car had crossed the Atlantic to the United States, where it remained in storage until 1956.
Auctioned off to Montreal automobile collector Herbert O’Connell, the car was restored in Toronto before being sold to Quebec attorney Claude Pratt, who offered it to the Canadian War Museum in 1970. Historical records, including those from librarian Ludwig Koshche, confirmed its association with Hitler.
A Controversial Exhibit
The car’s display has not been without controversy. In 2000, then-museum director Jack Granatstein proposed selling it, citing concerns that it could “glamorize Nazism.” The suggestion drew significant public backlash, with opponents emphasizing the car’s value as a historical artifact.
Museum staff, including historian Jeff Noakes, argue that the car is displayed in a context that highlights its role in the horrors of World War II rather than as an object of admiration. The museum’s current location at 1 Vimy Place offers ample space to provide educational context about Hitler’s actions and the devastating consequences of his regime.
Preserving History
While critics worry about unintended interpretations, Noakes emphasizes the importance of presentation. “If you present it in the wrong context, it’s a propaganda instrument,” he said. However, in the proper setting, the car becomes a powerful reminder of the events unleashed by Hitler, serving as a tool for education rather than glorification.
This artifact, while controversial, remains a significant piece of history, prompting reflection on the delicate balance between remembrance and responsible curation.