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1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Navigation
This third series 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen was ordered new and devoid of side-mounted spares. The order was placed by the British Mercedes-Benz agency on behalf of a Mr. Manson, and registered as FLC 217. It is believed that the car remained in England throughout World War II, and was acquired in 1951 by a multiple award-winning British actor, filmmaker, and writer named Peter Ustinov who kept it until 1953. Around this time, the car was advertised for sale by dealers Simmons of Mayfair in Motor Sport magazine.
The Mercedes was acquired from Simmons by Ralph Buckley of Absecon, New Jersey in July of 1953. From Mr. Buckley, the Cabriolet A traveled to California and into the custodianship of John Bond. After many years in his care, the car was later purchased by Jim Wilson of Hermosa Beach, who then began a five-year mechanical and cosmetic restoration. Upon completion, the car was exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, winning 3rd in Class. Richard Wesselink purchased the Mercedes several years later (along with a second 540 K), who passed both to Manfredo Lippmann of Guatemala.
The car currently wears the Wilson restoration which had been finished in a deep claret paint scheme with a tan leather interior. It has original, late-style skirting of the front fenders which have been lightly modified to have more of a subtle curve and house side mounted spares. The original body number suffix '205' is stamped into the hood hinge, and the original chassis and engine number stampings are still present as well.By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2022
The Mercedes was acquired from Simmons by Ralph Buckley of Absecon, New Jersey in July of 1953. From Mr. Buckley, the Cabriolet A traveled to California and into the custodianship of John Bond. After many years in his care, the car was later purchased by Jim Wilson of Hermosa Beach, who then began a five-year mechanical and cosmetic restoration. Upon completion, the car was exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, winning 3rd in Class. Richard Wesselink purchased the Mercedes several years later (along with a second 540 K), who passed both to Manfredo Lippmann of Guatemala.
The car currently wears the Wilson restoration which had been finished in a deep claret paint scheme with a tan leather interior. It has original, late-style skirting of the front fenders which have been lightly modified to have more of a subtle curve and house side mounted spares. The original body number suffix '205' is stamped into the hood hinge, and the original chassis and engine number stampings are still present as well.By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2022
2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,000,000-USD $1,250,000
Sale Price :
USD $1,132,500
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Mercedes-Benz 540K
(Data based on Model Year 1938 sales)
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Norrmalm Cabriolet Chassis#: 169389 Sold for USD$1,435,000 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | ![]() ![]() |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster in the style of Sindelfingen Chassis#: 408338 Sold for USD$1,545,000 2024 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster in the style of Singelfingen Chassis#: 169394 Sold for USD$2,089,949 2022 RM Sothebys : Munich | |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Drophead Coupe by Lancefield Chassis#: 169317 Sold for USD$1,050,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey | ![]() ![]() |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen Chassis#: 189391 Sold for USD$1,132,500 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey | ![]() ![]() |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet B Chassis#: 130903 Sold for USD$836,000 2016 Worldwide Auctions - The Houston Classic | |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster by Nawrocki Sold for USD$1,870,000 2015 Auctions America - California | |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet B Chassis#: 169367 Sold for USD$1,289,033 2013 RM Auction - London | |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Cabriolet A Chassis#: 154133 Sold for USD$2,200,788 2013 RM Auction - London | |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K cabriolet Chassis#: 169333 Sold for USD$900,205 2013 Bonhams - Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais | ![]() ![]() |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet 'A' Chassis#: 169396 Sold for USD$1,312,500 2013 Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction | ![]() ![]() |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Sold for USD$946,000 2009 The Scottsdale Auction : Gooding & Company | |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A Chassis#: 169397 Sold for USD$1,035,868 2005 Bonhams - Important Collectors' Motor Cars | |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster Chassis#: 189387 Sold for USD$1,017,500 2005 The Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction | |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Sport Cabriolet Sold for USD$973,500 2003 Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction |
Mercedes-Benz 540Ks That Failed To Sell At Auction
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1938 Mercedes Benz 540K Norrmalm Cabriolet | 169389 | 2016 The Finest : The Elegance at Hershey | $950,000 | $1,300,000 | |
1938 MERCEDES-BENZ 540K ROADSTER | 169317 | 2016 Bonhams The MercedesBenz Sale | $2,100,000 | $2,700,000 | |
1938 Mercede-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster long tail | 169394 | 2015 Rétromobile by Artcurial Motorcars | $2,000,000 | $3,000,000 | |
1938 MERCEDES-BENZ 540 K SPEICAL PHAETON | 11102510004813 | 2003 Kruse Auctions Las Vegas, NV |
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1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K
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