The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster, marked by unique coachbuilt bodywork, is set to be a highlight at Mecum’s 2023 Monterey Car Week auction taking place from August 17th to 19th.
Built between 1936 and 1939, the 540K stands out for its 5.4-liter supercharged inline-8 engine that delivers 180 horsepower, allowing a top speed of 110 mph. This was considered quite remarkable for its era. The power is directed to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual gearbox, and the vehicle also features four-wheel independent suspension and servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, a rather advanced design for the time.
The custom of the 1930s saw luxury cars being supplied as bare chassis to be finished with custom bodywork. However, the majority of 540K buyers preferred the factory bodies from Mercedes. Out of the 760 units produced, including the smaller 500K, only 70 were sent out from the Sindelfingen factory in Germany as bare chassis.
The specific red roadster in question is adorned with coachwork by the London-based Mayfair Carriage Works Ltd. With right-hand drive, this particular 540K was initially delivered to a London customer, before finding a new home in Canada.
After changing hands between Canadian owners, the vehicle underwent a meticulous restoration by Richard and Stephen Mertz of Detroit, spanning over twenty years. A refurbishment in the mid-1990s included a repaint in its present red hue.
As a symbol of the zenith of Mercedes’ prewar luxury vehicles, the 540K has been assessed at a pre-auction estimate of $3.5 to $4.5 million. To put this into context, a 540K fastback coupe was awarded Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance just two years prior.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster
When and where will the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster be auctioned?
The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster will be auctioned at Mecum’s 2023 Monterey Car Week, scheduled for August 17-19.
What makes the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster unique?
The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster is distinguished by its 5.4-liter supercharged inline-8 engine and coachbuilt bodywork from London firm Mayfair Carriage Works Ltd. It also features a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension and hydraulic drum brakes.
How many 540K and 500K vehicles were produced by Mercedes, and how many were delivered as bare chassis?
Out of the 760 540K and smaller-displacement 500K vehicles built, just 70 left the factory in Sindelfingen, Germany, as bare chassis.
What is the pre-auction estimate for the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster?
The pre-auction estimates for the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster range from $3.5 million to $4.5 million.
Who restored the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster, and when was it repainted?
The car was restored by the father and son team of Richard and Stephen Mertz of Detroit over the course of two decades. It was then refurbished and repainted in its current red color in the mid-1990s.
5 comments
Restored by father and son team? That’s dedication, 2 decades! I would love to see the before and after pics. This car must be a real gem.
Anyone else going to Mecums auction in August? Wanna see this beauty. My dad used to have posters of classic Mercs, wish he was here to see this.
that 110 mph in 1937!! thats some serious engineering. Mercedes always ahead of the game.
Wow! this is a piece of history. anyone got 4 million to spare? lol wish I could see this car in person.
I saw one of these once in a museum, absolutely stunning. The red color must be breathtaking Can’t imagine what it would be like to own.