1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K SWB Roadster

Introduced in 1936, the 540K was instantly recognized as a top-of-the-line automobile with style, engineering, comfort and performance that was simply unmatched by the competition. Using its own in-house styling department, the Sindelfingen Body Works, Mercedes produced some of the most elegant coachwork of all time.

Mercedes produced approximately 419 540Ks. The same supercharged 5.4-liter straight eight-cylinder engine powered them all. It made 115 horsepower normally and 180 with the supercharger engaged. They rode on fully independent suspension, had a six-speed gearbox, weighed almost three tons and consumed fuel at the rate of eight miles per gallon.

The 1939 model shown is a unique one-off special roadster body mounted on a shortened chassis. Five of the shorter chassis were made and three survive today. The car was originally delivered to a German steel magnate. It is restored to original and belongs to a private collection in Switzerland.