1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A

With an appearance that one journalist of the 1930s described as having 'aggressive styling and Teutonic arrogance,' the 540K was indeed an awe-inspiring automobile. The 5.4-liter OHV straight eight engine with Roots blower was the final evolution of the 380/500/540K series delivering a breathtaking 180 horsepower with the blower engaged. It was advertised as the fastest production automobile in the world with well over 100 mph maximum speed and the ability to cruise the new German Autobahn effortlessly at 85 mph. In 1937, any automobile that could achieve triple digits was immediately legendary. This example is a seldom-seen right-hand drive version built for sale in Great Britain. The English owner of the car drove it to Italy, and while he was there, World War II erupted. He fled to England, leaving the car behind. An American soldier 'liberated' the car, brought it to the United States, and sold it to a friend of J.B. Nethercutt's, from whom J.B. purchased it.