- Accompanied by original data plate and copy of original Kommission paper
- A timeless example finished in elegant colors
- Benefiting from a $23,000 service by marque authority Rolf Wagner
- Menacing and powerful supercharged German engineering
- A welcome addition to prestigious concours events and tours
LOT 343
Selling on Saturday
From the Passport Collection; Coachwork by Sindelfingen
1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet B
Throughout the long and coveted automobile history books, few names have been present since the start, producing elegant works time after time after time again. Names come to mind like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Bugatti to name a few, but arguably sitting at the top of that list is the iconic three-pointed star, Mercedes-Benz. A reputation for class, speed, and comfort in one grand package since the start, Mercedes has produced some of the most winning race cars and most luxurious passenger cars to date. Considered the pinnacle of the brand's vast passenger cars, is the 540K, a pre-war grand tourer equipped with a menacing supercharged engine.
Crafted between 1936 and 1939, the 540K was the grand successor to the 500K, and featured a more potent supercharged engine and a longer, more commanding chassis. Offered in various styles, the "B" or "second series" examples, such as this one denoted it had a rear seat, allowing for distinguished guests or the upper class to be chauffeured to and from their desired destinations. The engine and chassis were built in house, and though there were outside options, almost all the elite clientele opted for the in-house coachbuilder option, which would be at the Sindelfingen plant, as there was a higher level of customization. In total, just 419 540K chassis' were originally produced and many were taken by the harsh realities of time.
Documented on the copy of its original Kommission paper, this example was originally completed in 1937 and ordered by Kores Company AG in February of 1938; however, the order was canceled in March and resold on April 13th to Markische Baugesellschaft of Berlin, Germany. The recipient of a complete photo documented restoration by Mercedes expert, Rolf Bunte, subsequent ownership would be Portuguese collector Jose Miguel Rodrigues, which is documented by the homologation certificate. Eventually making its way to the United States, this 540K resided with a passionate collector from 2013 to 2023 before the Passport Collection took ownership. Retaining its original data plate and original chassis number, which is stamped on the driver's side frame rail, under the hood lies a powerful supercharged period-correct engine that bears the internal engine prefix stamping, but not the serial number, as it has been removed, indicating that the motor has been exchanged at some point in its life.
Under prior ownership in 2022, this 540K underwent a mechanical servicing by marque authority, Rolf Wagner. Documented by invoice records on file, the work entailed the engine being thoroughly checked, fluids changed, the carburetor and starter motor both rebuilt, and a tune-up was performed along with other various items that cost over $23,000. The result is a finely tuned 540K that is ready to be enjoyed at prestigious concours events and tours around the globe.
Finished in an elegant black and grey shade with a black cloth top, it combines with the chrome wire wheels and supercharged pipes to create a timeless appearance. A cabin built for royalty and the upper class, it is fitted with subtle dark green leather throughout, burled walnut veneering, and a dash adorned with a mother-of-pearl motif that captures the essence of the Classic Era. Accompanying the sale of this automobile is a copy of the Kommission paper, restoration photos, a copy of the owner's manual, various invoices, and a convertible boot cover.
A name that has etched itself at the top of every discerning collectors list, the Mercedes-Benz 540K is at the forefront of desirability as it possesses elegance, class, power, and rarity. This example, with its lavish color scheme, faithful restoration, and powerful supercharged straight-eight engine, is a wonderful example and an ideal choice for the collector looking to check the box and add to their exceptional collection.
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