Mercedes-Benz 540K Is A Multi-Million Dollar Masterpiece Today

Introduction

1938 Mercedes Benz 540K Special Roadster - Source Hugh Llewelyn from Keynsham, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Mercedes Benz 540K is a special roadster manufactured between 1936 and 1940. It was introduced at the 1936 Paris Motor Show and awed the viewers because of the elegant bodywork, flowing fenders, and horizontally beveled V-shaped flashy grille enough to double a disco ball. The 540K was Merc's ticket to maintaining its legacy among the greatest car manufacturers.

Created by the designer Hermann Ahrens, the most interesting thing about the car lay under the hood. It was a roots-type supercharged straight-eight motor that was bored from 5.0 to 5.4L and provided enough juice to push this car up to 110 mph.

Design and Interior Of the Mercedes-Benz 540K

1937 Mercedes Benz 540K Special Roadster - Source Mike from Atlanta, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Each, Mercedes Benz 540K was built according to the customer's specifications and needs. Mercedes prepared different body types for the 540k and among them, there was a spectacular Spezial Roadster.

This flowing two-seater was one of the striking prewar designs, distinguished by the long hood, sweeping fenders, external exhaust pipes, and sweeping windscreen that commanded nothing but respect.

1937 Mercedes Benz 540K Special Roadster - Source Mike from Atlanta, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As for the exterior of the car, the interior was also magnificent. It was designed with luxury and comfort in mind. The seats were upholstered with the highest quality leather and were adjustable to perfectly fit the driver and passenger. The steering wheel was made of wood with the Mercedes logo in the middle to remind you that you are driving something special. With extensive use of wood inlays and chrome, the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K oozed luxury from every angle.

Performance and Specifications Of The Mercedes-Benz 540K

Mercedes Benz 540K Engine - Source: OldBenz Youtube

Sitting behind the narrow-spotted steering wheel, you start feeling the engineering that went into making the 540k. The engine was a meaty 5.4L straight-8 with a roots-type supercharger that made around 180 hp, which was pretty substantial during that time. The supercharger kicked in for a short amount of time and the engine made 115 horses without the induction.

More on how technologically advanced it was can be explained by the 4-speed manual transmission. It was an overdrive synchronized in the top three gears, provided seamless shifting and it was the first transmission of its kind. Later models had an optional 5-speed manual transmission as well.

The chassis was taken from the 500K however to lose weight, oval-section tubes were used instead of girder-like frame. Likewise, the independent suspension for all 4 wheels, a double wishbone, and coil springs in the front suspension gave the 540K strong handling capabilities.

How many Mercedes-Benz 540K Were Made?

1937 Mercedes Benz 540K Special Roadster - Source Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Mercedes Benz 540K was a very rare and exclusive car, and only limited numbers were produced during the 4 year production period. According to the records, the exact number of 540K units produced is unclear but an estimated 406 such cars were made combining all the styles where most of them were either convertible or roadster, before World War II. Due to its rarity and historical significance, the Mercedes 540K is highly prized by collectors and car enthusiasts.

The Salons and coupes are equally popular but unfortunately, their numbers have been far too less. The number of coupes was only 12 and there have been limousines and cruisers as well. However, most of them are not in a good shape at this moment.

Along with the regular 540K, 12 special six-seater convertible saloons with armour plates were commissioned for the Nazi hierarchy. To further compliment the luxury and exclusivity, Mercedes employed 1,500 people at their Sindelfingen factory for in house coach work. This allowed for a huge scope of customisation available for buyers making every unit a work of art.

Mercedes-Benz 540K Price & Value?

The Mercedes Benz 540K is a highly praised car by enthusiasts. The exact value can greatly depend on various conditions such as the car’s conditions, rarity, and historical significance of the car. The average value of the Mercedes-Benz 540K currently sits at around $2.1 Million as per Classic's market evaluation. However, it's worth noting that the prices can fluctuate depending on the economy, availability, and demand for the car.

In 2022, RM Sotheby's sold the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen originally delivered to King Mohammed Zahir Shah of Afghanistan for a staggering $9.9 Million. With a total odo reading of 12,583 miles, it is one of three surviving long-tail, covered-spare Special Roadsters. Another example of 540K was sold for the same price in Arizona in 2016 by RM Sotheby's.