1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Drophead Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz 500 K followed the short-lived 380 K and was the company's second-generation supercharged eight-cylinder model. With the blower engaged, the engine produced 160 brake horsepower, much more than its predecessor. Produced through 1936, a total of 342 chassis were built.

Mercedes-Benz's factory coachworks at Sindelfingen produced various body styles on the 500 K, including several variations of the cabriolet and roadster. The 'Normal' Roadster was one of three catalogue Roadster styles available on the 500 K chassis and was rarer than the 'Special' roadster. This particular 500 K Normal Roadster has right-hand drive and a flat windshield bestowed upon early cars.

This Mercedes-Benz was delivered to Mercedes-Benz London on February 7th of 1936 and was originally acquired by Philip Lucas. When it was finally registered in April of 1937, it was given number 'DLK 694', and was in the ownership of Mr. Withy. The Mercedes-Benz remained in England during World War II and in January of 1955, it was advertised by automobile dealer Jack Bond of Vintage Autos in Motor Sport. Around this time, it was purchased by Carter Schaub of Apex, North Carolina. The vehicle's next owner was Carlisle Marshall of Lake Worth, Florida, and while in his care, it is believed to have received a restoration by Mervin 'Beaver' Colver of Wisconsin. When the work was completed, it was shown at the Classic Car Club of America's Annual Meeting in Boca Raton, Florida in January 1979.

Dr. Terry Bennett of New Hampshire became the car's next custodian in early 1980 and would retain the vehicle through 1988 when it returned to Europe. The car was acquired by Nick Harley for his client, Hans Thulin of Sweeden. When Mr. Thulin's fortunes reversed, the 500 K returned to the United States by 1991 and was acquired by its current owner in 1992. Prior to this, the car had been refinished in rich Bordeaux red with a tan leather interior.

This Mercedes-Benz retains its numbers-matching engine, chassis, and coachwork. It is powered by a 5,018cc OHV supercharged inline eight-cylinder engine that delivers 100 horsepower (160 with the supercharger engaged). There is a four-speed manual transmission, an independent suspension front and rear, and four-wheel servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2022