Mercedes Benz is a company that enjoys a stellar reputation for its quality, performance, and distinctive design, which has lasted since the beginning of the automotive age. After all, it was Karl Benz that invented the automobile as we knew it today in 1886 and bravely entered the automotive age. In the early years of the automotive industry, Mercedes cars were noted for their power and quality, and the company defined the luxury car market in Germany. However, amongst all pre-war models, one car sits on top of the Mercedes food chain – the incredible 540K. Here is its story.
By the early ’30s, Mercedes Benz was recognized as one of the most prestigious car companies in the world. With their impeccable engineering, straight-eight engines, and recognizable style, cars from Stuttgart were cherished by wealthy owners. At the same time, Mercedes experimented with new technologies and concepts and even introduced the first diesel-powered passenger cars in the late 20s. The company was also active in racing with legendary SSK, engineered by none other than Ferdinand Porsche himself. For the most discriminating customers and members of royal families, Mercedes designed one of the most opulent models of the era – 770 or Grosser. With its 7.6-liter, eight-cylinder engine and insanely luxurious interiors, this behemoth was used by the Japanese Emperor, amongst others.
However, as an engineering powerhouse with global recognition, Mercedes decided to expand its offering to a luxury but driver-oriented model, which would fight the competitors from companies like Bentley, Bugatti, and Duesenberg. The new model must be technologically advanced, powerful, and fast and feature especially designed in-house bodies. Mercedes engineers used chassis with independent suspension to achieve those goals, a very advanced solution for the era. This was first introduced on the Mercedes 380SSK, but it was modified and improved with a double-wishbone front and swing axle with coil springs and dampers in the back. It provided the new model with unparallel stability and comfort, especially at high speeds.
In order to propel the new car to those lofty speeds, Mercedes installed a massive 5.0-liter, straight-eight engine with a Roots-type supercharger. With 160 hp on tap, it was powerful and could reach over 100 mph, which was an astonishing result. The new car was proudly presented in 1934 and given a memorable name – 500K. The 500 stood for a 5.0-liter engine, and “K” stood for “Kompressor” (supercharger). The introduction of this model corresponded with Germany’s rise as European economic and military power and its construction of the Autobahn network on which massive GT cars like 500K could reach their top speed safely.
The Mercedes 500K was offered for just two years and was available in several versions. The buyers could get bare chassis with the engine, two and four-door sedans, two- and four-seater convertibles, and gorgeous roadsters. In order to promote the Autobahn network, the first one in the world, Mercedes presented a very unique Autobahn-Kurier coupe with streamlined bodies and a lower roofline, designed to cruise at high speeds between the German cities.
The Mercedes 500K was offered for just two years and was available in several versions. The buyers could get bare chassis with the engine, two and four-door sedans, two- and four-seater convertibles, and gorgeous roadsters. In order to promote the Autobahn network, the first one in the world, Mercedes presented a very unique Autobahn-Kurier coupe with streamlined bodies and a lower roofline, designed to cruise at high speeds between the German cities.
But, 540K was superior not only in sheer speed but also in comfort, and those cars featured 4-speed optional 5-speed manual transmission, which was unheard of in those days. With a 12-volt electrical system, the 540K could be ordered with power locks, electrical windshield wipers, hydraulic brakes, and a radio. With a starting price of 28.000 Reich Marks in 1938, it was also one of the most expensive models in the world. Mercedes offered it in a couple of versions, mainly two-seater convertible (Spezial Roadster) and two-door coupe. However, Mercedes also produced a number of four-seater convertibles for German dignitaries and Nazi commanders, some even with enforced floors. During the war, a small number of bulletproof, two-door sedans were also manufactured, but due to their massive weight, those cars were slower and more agile than the standard models.
However, the crown of the 500/540K model lineup was the absolutely gorgeous 540K Spezial Roadster, one of the finest examples of Mercedes’s pre-war design and 1930s luxury car scene. Available only as a special order that took a long time to complete, the 540K was a massive two-seat model with a long hood and short rear end with big fenders, chrome details, and a luxurious, although small, cabin. Even though it was a two-seater model, the 540K Spezial Roadster had a more extended chassis in order to make it more stable at high speeds. During a couple of years of 540K production, Mercedes made over 400 cars but only 32 Spezial Roadsters. Today, this model is one of the most cherished classic cars and a true sensation whenever it appears at auctions. The last one sold changed hands for over $15 million.
Unfortunately, the start of WWII affected Mercedes’s plans for further developing this model and stopped production of the Spezial Roadster. The 5.8-liter model was scrapped, and the company concentrated on bulletproof sedan versions for Nazi commanders. From 1939 to 1944, Mercedes built only 37 cars for official use and discontinued the model in April. The notable owners of this model included many Nazi figures, but the most famous was Luftwaffe chief Hermann Goering, who had a unique, light blue Roadster nicknamed “Blue Goose.” Interestingly, his car survived the war and is not in the US.
