Image credit: © conceptcarz.com (Reproduction Or reuse prohibited).

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K background image

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Caracciola Special Coupe

  • Coachwork by Sindelfingen
  • Chassis Number: 113718
  • Gearbox Number: 26507
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Navigation
Rudolf Caracciola was born in Germany to Italian parents. He apprenticed at an automobile factory as a young man, later became a car salesman for Daimler in Dresden, and in 1926 asked Mercedes-Benz to supply him with a car to drive in the first German Grand Prix. The race was treacherous due to heavy rain, and at least three individuals died due to accidents. Rudi prevailed, finishing twenty laps in under three hours, and won the race. He became the first non-Italian to win the Mille Miglia, was the star of Mercedes-Benz's Formula 1 team, and at the wheel of the famed 'Silver Arrows,' he accumulated six German Grand Prix trophies, three European Driving Championships and three European Hillclimb Championships. In January 1938, he drove a W125 at a speed of 268.9 mph on the autobahn, which is still the fastest speed ever officially recorded on a public road.

In honor of Regenmeister's achievements, Mercedes-Benz built him a car. The build sheet describes it as a Roadster-Limousine (but more of a 'Special Coupe'), and its design was tailored specifically for Caracciola, hence the somewhat taller roofline and windshield. The bodyside is devoid of spare tires, but instead is undistributed from front to rear, with graceful flowing lines, gentle curves, and an overall stance that is both athletic and elegant. The interior has room for two passengers and luggage, with the latter being placed aft of the seats.

This Mercedes-Benz was delivered to Caracciola via the dealer in Paris and was used by its original owner through the late 1930s when it was resold through the Paris dealer. It is believed that its new owner was Italian foreign minister Galeazzo Ciano. Eventually, the car made its way to Ethiopia where it was stored without regard to its preservation. In the early 1960s, it was acquired by Dr. Milton Roth, who passed away shortly after the purchase. The 00 K changed hands through a couple of brief ownerships in Southern California before entering the care of Matthew L. 'Bill' Post. The car was sent to restorer Dale Hanson, who spent 16 months undertaking a complete restoration, matching the original maroon finish and leather interior to the original materials.

After the restoration was completed, the car was shown at the 1966 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, finishing Second in Class. Over the next 13 years, the car was shown at various events on the West Coast.

Around 1973, Post sold the Mercedes to Axel Wars, who later sold it to James W. Packer who in 1977 took it once more to Pebble Beach and garnered a First in Class victory.

Rudi Klein purchased the Mercedes-Benz in March 1979 from Jim Packer, and it soon rested in his 'junkyard.' Like many of his other cars, Rudi used it briefly, had his fun, and then put it away. It rested under cloth covers for 44 years in a large tin-roofed shed at the center of his junkyard.

After Rudi Klein passed away in 2001, his wife and sons retained the car, continuing to turn away those who were interested in purchasing the vehicle. The car remains in fair condition with a few dings and scratches accumulated over the years. The paint it wears is now six decades old and has begun to fail in some areas. The chrome is dulled by time, and the upholstery remains in tight, crisp condition. Overall, the vehicle is solid and intact, and remains in remarkable condition considering the age of its last restoration.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2024

2024 RM Sothebys : The Junkyard : Rudi Klein Collection

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $4,000,000-USD $6,000,000 
Sale Price :
USD $4,130,000

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Mercedes-Benz 500K

(Data based on Model Year 1935 sales)
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K 'Caracciola' Special Coupe by Sindelfingen
Chassis#: 113718
Sold for USD$4,130,000
  2024 RM Sothebys : The Junkyard : Rudi Klein Collection
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Normal Roadster by Sindelfingen
Chassis#: 123692
Sold for USD$1,655,000
  2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabriolet A
Chassis#: 105379
Sold for USD$1,710,000
  2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  
1937 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabriolet C by Sindelfingen
Chassis#: 113715
Sold for USD$692,500
  2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabriolet by Saoutchik
Chassis#: 123696
Sold for USD$1,710,000
  2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Three-Position Roadster by Windovers
Chassis#: 123699
Sold for USD$1,600,000
  2021 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Cabriolet A
Chassis#: 123779
Sold for USD$1,766,009
  2020 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
 
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Roadster
Chassis#: 105380
Sold for USD$5,916,336
  2016 Bonhams : The Chantilly Sale
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  
1935 MERCEDES-BENZ 500K 'SPECIAL ROADSTER'
Chassis#: 113688
Sold for USD$1,221,346
  2015 Bonhams : The Frederiksen Auction
 
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500/540 K Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen
Chassis#: 105384
Sold for USD$3,025,000
  2015 RM Sotheby's : Amelia Island
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabriolet A
Chassis#: 105379
Sold for USD$2,750,000
  2013 Gooding and Company - The Scottsdale Auction
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Roadster by Sindelfingen
Chassis#: 105380
Sold for USD$3,767,500
  2011 RM Auctions at Monterey
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K image  
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Cabriolet
Chassis#: 130859
Sold for USD$1,418,725
  2007 RM Auctions - Automobiles of London
 
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500/540K
Sold for USD$1,650,000
  2006 Worldwide Auctions - Houston Classic 2006
 

Mercedes-Benz 500Ks That Failed To Sell At Auction

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Normal Roadster by Sindelfingen1236922022 RM Sothebys : Monterey $1,400,000$1,800,000
1935 MERCEDES-BENZ 500K CABRIOLET A1137172016 Bonhams : Quail Lodge $2,200,000$2,600,000
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500k Cabriolet C1137152016 Bonhams : The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale $550,000$650,000
1935 MERCEDES-BENZ 500K CABRIOLET C1137152016 Bonhams The MercedesBenz Sale $620,000$930,000
1935 MERCEDES-BENZ 500 K CABRIOLET1236962016 Bonhams The MercedesBenz Sale $4,600,000$5,400,000
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500k Roadster1236862016 Motostalgia : Amelia Island Auction $1,900,000$2,250,000
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabriolet by Windovers1136312012 Coys Blenheim Palace $280,000$350,000
1935 MERCEDES BENZ 500 K replicaCA9515692011 McCormicks Auction #50 Palm Springs CA$19,500  
1935 MERCEDES 500K REPLICACA9515692010 McCormick's Auction #49 Palm Springs, CA$18,500  
1935 Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 500 Landaulet10 113 5592007 Bonhams Les Grandes Marques a Monaco $300,000$400,000
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Cabriolet B1136262005 Bonhams Sports, Competition & Collectors' Motor Cars, F1 Memorabilia, Automobilia & Models $140,000$160,000
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster 2003 Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island$2,275,000  

Vehicles With Comparable Market Values

Similar sales to the $2,358,030 range.
1939 Bugatti Type 57 C Atalante by Gangloff
Chassis#:57828
Sold for $2,370,000
2025 RM Sothebys : The Arizona Auction
1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe
Chassis#:194377s119136
Sold for $2,250,000
2025 Mecum : Kissimmee
1965 Ferrari 275 GTB by Scaglietti
Chassis#:06705
Sold for $2,266,133
2024 RM Sothebys : London
1956 Porsche 550 RS Spyder
Chassis#:550-0082
Sold for $2,305,609
2024 Bonhams : The Zoute Sale
1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0
Chassis#:9114609106
Sold for $2,370,000
2024 RM Sothebys : Monterey
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K vehicle thumbnail image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K vehicle thumbnail image  
1964 Shelby 289 Cobra 'Snake Charmer'
Chassis#:CSX 2227
Sold for $2,287,500
2024 RM Sothebys : Monterey
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K vehicle thumbnail image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K vehicle thumbnail image  
1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible
Chassis#:194677s109097
Sold for $2,352,000
2024 Mecum : Monterey
1990 Ferrari F40
Chassis#:ZFFMN34A4L0087219
Sold for $2,425,000
2024 Broad Arrow : Monterey
1968 Lamborghini Miura P400
Chassis#:3459
Sold for $2,315,000
2024 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach
2011 Ferrari SP30 Berlinetta
Chassis#:ZFF70RDT7B0188026
Sold for $2,296,000
2024 Bonhams : Miami
1933 HISPANO-SUIZA J12 CABRIOLET
Chassis#:14004
Sold for $2,315,000
2024 Gooding & Co: Selections From The Mullin Collection Auction
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
Chassis#:198.042.7500510
Sold for $2,260,000
2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia
1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
Chassis#:198.042.10.003135
Sold for $2,260,000
2024 RM Sothebys : ModaMiami
1938 BUGATTI TYPE 57C ATALANTE
Chassis#:57767
Sold for $2,260,000
2024 Gooding : Amelia Island
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K vehicle thumbnail image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K vehicle thumbnail image  
1937 MERCEDES-BENZ 540K SPECIAL ROADSTER
Chassis#:154080
Sold for $2,420,000
2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K vehicle thumbnail image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K vehicle thumbnail image  
1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic by Ghia
Chassis#:106.000053
Sold for $2,425,000
2023 RM Sothebys : New York
1997 Porsche 911 GT2
Chassis#:WP0ZZZ99ZVS392077
Sold for $2,397,500
2023 RM Sothebys : The White Collection
1990 Ferrari F40
Chassis#:ZFFGJ34B000086097
Sold for $2,429,110
2023 RM Sothebys : London
1968 LAMBORGHINI MIURA P400
Chassis#:3378
Sold for $2,260,000
2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K vehicle thumbnail image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K vehicle thumbnail image  
1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic by Ghia
Chassis#:106.000043
Sold for $2,260,000
2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K vehicle thumbnail image  1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K vehicle thumbnail image  

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K

Additional valuation insight and sales data
History
Specifications
Image gallery
Other Mercedes-Benz 500K model years

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Vehicle Profiles

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.