1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Cabriolet

It is believed that French coachbuilder J. Saoutchik bodied three 500 K and 540 K chassis and this particular 500 K Cabriolet is the only known survivor of the trio.

The chassis of this Mercedes-Benz arrived in Paris on October 9th of 1935 and was delivered later that month to the coachbuilder Jacques Saoutchik. It was given a disappearing convertible top, opening vee'd windshield, and detailed moldings along the fenders and flanks of the body that give the illusion of waves sweeping against a hull. There are unique roll-up windows in the backs of the front seats to provide protection for the rear passengers.

It is believed that this vehicle was commissioned from Saoutchik by Dr. Charles Crocker of San Francisco, Ca. The car was kept at Dr. Crocker's home at Pebble Beach and was displayed at a small charity sports car show held at the golf links in 1950 - the inaugural Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. This Mercedes 500 K won its class.

The car remained with Dr. Crocker until 1959 when it was acquired by Scott Newhall of Northern California. Following a restoration, the Mercedes returned to Pebble Beach with Mrs. Newhall in 1965. A short time later, it was sold to Robert Burkholder of San Francisco, who exhibited it again at Pebble Beach, in 1966. In CCCA competition, the car won 1st in Class at the Western Grand Classic. In 1967, it was offered for sale in the Club's Bulletin.

The vehicle's next owner was Richard Croxton Adams of San Diego, Ca., who retained it until 1989. It has remained in the care of its current custodians for the past thirty-three years.

The car wears black and grey paint which remains in largely good condition. There is some damage to the trim hardware, in particular one of the marker lights. The pigskin and calfskin interior shows signs of age and use, and there is two-tone trimming to the inner door panels, a jade gear-shift knob, and a sterling silver vanity drawer containing cosmetics accessories.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2022