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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.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
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 ROADSTER | 169317 | 2016 Bonhams The MercedesBenz Sale | $2,100,000 | $2,700,000 | |
1938 MERCEDES-BENZ 540 K SPEICAL PHAETON | 11102510004813 | 2003 Kruse Auctions Las Vegas, NV | $0 |
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1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K
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