The Mercedes-Benz 540 K was the Classic Era’s premium eight-cylinder supercharged car, an upgrade from the 500 K. Equipped with a more robust 180-horsepower supercharged engine and longer 3,250-millimeter chassis, the 540 K was faster and offered a better ride quality. Its elongated wheelbase allowed Sindelfingen’s factory coachbuilders to work their magic, resulting in a car with a long hood and marvelous sweeping fenders that truly made a statement. The supercharger’s scream, as the driver accelerates, forcing pressurized air and fuel through the carburetor, is unforgettable to those who have experienced it.
Sindelfingen coachwork offerings for the 540 K were created in three distinct series. The “second series” was designed exclusively for this chassis and had little resemblance to the previous 500 K. The fenders were deeply skirted, yet still attractive, and the Cabriolet B boasted a unique gently sloping, smooth rear deck instead of the “trunkback” of the first and third iterations. Enthusiasts consider it the most attractive version of this style, and it remains highly sought-after today.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
