1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K Tourer

One of only eight right-hand drive Mercedes-Benz 500K chassis ever to be delivered to England, chassis 123689 is an appealing example of the enthralling 500K.

In spite of the rumblings of unrest and economic struggle throughout Europe in the 1930s, some of the best pre-war designs would make their appearance during this period and the 500K would have to be one of them, taking the world by storm when it was unveiled at the 1934 Berlin Auto Show.

This particular example would be a Cabriolet A option with accommodations for two, a center spotlight and some other fine details. Throughout 1934, only about 105 examples of the 500K chassis would be produced. And, of those 105, most all of the Cabriolets would come complete with left-hand drive. In total, just 342 500Ks would ever be produced before the 540K would be introduced. Most all of these would head to Sindelfingen to be fitted with custom bodies. This car would not.

It is believed that no more than 70 examples of the 500K would ever leave Germany to be fitted with custom coachwork by companies other than Sindelfingen. This particular example, one of only eight completed with right-hand drive, would travel to England and on to Mayfair Carriage Company based just outside of London.

Noted as one of the most luxurious and fine coachbuilders of the time, Mayfair would certainly be up to the task fitting a custom-designed body to the Mercedes. Among the list of models of cars to roll through Mayfair for work, including Rolls-Royce, Lagonda, Alvis, Bentley, Sunbeam and even Buick, there would be just one 500K ever listed in the company's records and it would be 123689.

Drawing from the inspiration of the Cabriolet, those at Mayfair would create a stylish tourer with a body with both clean and sporty lines and simple touches of trim to forge a car that was, and remains, elegant and aggressive-looking at the same time. In addition, the four-place seating enabled more than a couple to enjoy the spoils offered by the 500K.

Originally finished in the appropriate British Racing Green and registered in July of 1935, the car would be delivered to its first owner where it would remain, evidence would suggest, until 1955. Some time in the early 1960s the Mercedes would make its way to the United States. However, years before that, the car would make an appearance in Motor Sport. Upon coming to America, the car would end up on display in Albany, New York, put there by Mr. Arnold Dubb.

After some time with Dubb, the car would pass to David Cohen. At this time the car would be refinished with an interior bearing what would be termed as 'grapefruit pink'. Combined with the British Racing Green, 123689 was certainly not a car easily overlooked.

Passing hands a couple more times, the car would eventually land in the hands of Paul and Barbara Karassik in 1973, a famed car collector born in Russia. Karassik would become famous for finding a couple of Auto Union Type D Grand Prix cars. By that point in time, 123689 will have made its way to England and then back to the United States. In 1992, William Lassiter, Jr. would purchase the Mercedes. Already well known for his fine automobiles, Lassiter's collection would not have any weak links and the Tourer would fit right in for the next few years before it would be sold again in 1999.

Purchased in 1999 as part of a family collection, the Tourer would be refinished in bright red and cream leather upholstery. Red wheels with silver trim would fit neatly with the other chrome accents making the car striking to behold from a distance, as well as, up close.

Due to its story, its rare tale of significance and purpose, this 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K Four-Passenger Tourer was likely to be one of the stories of Bonhams' 2015 Amelia Island auction. Offered on the 12th of March, the Mercedes would garner estimates ranging from $1,250,000 to $1,500,000.

By Jeremy McMullen

During the 1930s, the world was experiencing the Great Depression, yet this was also the time many automakers decided to introduce some of the most luxurious and elaborate vehicles. Cadillac introduced their V-16, followed by Marmon with an equally impressive V-16 model. Mercedes-Benz introduced a new generation in 1933, courtesy of engineer Hans Nibel. At the heart of the new vehicle was an overhead-valve eight-cylinder engine with an all-independent suspension, which had double wishbones and coil springs in the front and coil-sprung spring axles in the rear. The latter evolved into the 500 K, which featured a Roots-type supercharger, bringing horsepower to 180.

This particular example is a 500K with chassis number 123689. It was delivered by Norwich dealer Mann Egerton to Sir Everard Talbot Scarisbrick, 2nd Baronet. The car wears a sporty four-passenger tourer body, which may have been inspired by the British sports cars Sir Everard was surrounded and so admired. Mayfair Carriage Company, of London, was tasked with building the body. It has an upright radiator and sweeping fenders, and a 'dip' in the beltline that was reminiscent of the Darrin-bodied Packards to come. It is believed that the body was installed on this chassis in 1939.

In the early 1960s, the car was in Albany, New York, and in the care of Arnold Dubb. It is listed with Dubb in the 1967 CCCA Directory, and then it was acquired by David Cohen, a World War II pilot. At the time, it was painted its original British Racing Green.

Dr. Henry A. Camperlengo, who lived on a farm near Albany, purchased the car from Cohen for $5,000. Dr. Camperlengo owned the car until 1973 when it was purchased by Paula and Barbara Karassik. After spending a short amount of time in England, the 500 K returned stateside. In September of 1992, it was acquired from Don Williams by the late Bill Lassiter. The car remained in the Lassiter Collection until its sale in 1999 to the grandfather of the present owner.

The car has its original matching-numbers chassis, frame, and engine, as well as its original Typenschild, or data plate. The supercharged inline eight-cylinder engine displaces 4,984cc and offers 100/180 bhp. There are a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes with vacuum assist. The wheelbase measures 129.5 inches.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2014