1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Cabriolet

This vehicle is chassis number 130913. The original owner was William A. Burden who took delivery in Paris, although factory records indicate the car was shipped to New York. Instead of standard bodywork, Mr. Burden requested a design that was influenced by the factory's great racing cars of the era. Sindelfingen's commission, number 219611, transformed the car into a Special Cabriolet. The car has separate fenders, is devoid of running boards, and a monochromatic black-on-black color scheme. It rides on blackwall tires and very little exposed bright metal trim. It has French design influences with a sloped and flared grille, which channels period Delahayes, and curvaceous fender lines drawn to a teardrop taper, which was nearly identical to the design found on the Autobahnkurier Coupes. There is a spare inset and flush with the rear deck in similar fashion to the 540 K Special Roadsters, keeping the wheel out of sight except from a direct rear view.

The car's second owner was Herbert Jaffe of Woodbury, New York. While in Mr. Jaffe's care, the car was given a restoration.

The restoration was completed in 1993 and it went on to be shown at numerous events.

The prior owner acquired the car from Mr. Jaffe in 2003 before it joined a large private collection in 2007.

In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey offered by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $1,100,000 - $1,300,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $913,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019