1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet B

This Mercedes-Benz represents a superb combination of the lighter styling of the 500K Cabriolet B coachwork crafted by the factory's Sindelfingen coachworks, mated to the uprated 540K mechanical specification, which became available in 1936.

This 540K was originally finished in a medium grey with dark grey fenders and was delivered new to Germany. Eventually, the car made its way stateside and passed through several owners, including Jerry Moore of Texas, for whom it was painted red. It spent many years in the Blackhawk Collection and later with Orin Smith. The current owners acquired it from the Orin Smith estate and have had it faithfully restored.

This Mercedes-Benz 540 K wears a Cabriolet B body created by the factory's coachbuilding shops at Sindelfingen. The Cabriolet B offered seating for four-passengers, with a comfortable rear seat for two, and a soft top with rear quarter windows. There were two variants produced, the first was the 'early' Cabriolet B, which had the 500 K-style bodywork, including vertical louvers on the hood sides, but with certain 540 K features, including the bumpers.

This example is an early Cabriolet B. It was purchased by Orin Smith in 2008 from a longtime friend in New Jersey. It had been in the care of the Blackhawk Collection before coming to the East Coast, where it resided in Alan Rosenblum's Pennsylvania collection for several years.

At some point, this car was cosmetically restored and finished in its current scarlet livery, with a tan canvas top and tan leather interior. There are chrome wire wheels, Bosch lenses, a pair of Marchal driving lights, and Raydyot cowl lamps. Proper Sekurit glass is fitted to all windows.

Currently, the odometer shows 11,201 kilometers. There is a an original serial number tag affixed to the firewall, identifying the chassis number as 130921; the engine is stamped 130921 on what appears to be the original and correct block stamping, while the engine tag notes 130931.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2017