1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K

The Mercedes-Benz 540K Series automobiles were purchased by the elite in society - the leaders of industry, the rich and famous, the highest class citizen, the powerful and accomplished, the privileged, and the most demanding customers. Each vehicle took over 6000 man hours to complete and it utilized the finest materials available built in the most advanced facilities with state-of-the-art equipment, tools, and machinery. Under the bonnet was an eight-cylinder engine that produced 115 horsepower and 180 horsepower with the help of a supercharger. The driver had control of the supercharger and could apply the boost which gave the engine about 60% in short bursts. When the driver pushed the accelerator pedal to the floor, the supercharger was engaged automatically. The supercharger would let the occupants know that it was working by making a loud noise which was caused by the compressed, supercharger rotors, and the drive gears. This power was sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox that featured synchromesh on the top three gears. The vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes kept the car under the drivers control. Top speed was over 105 mph with comfortable cruising speeds of 90 mph easily sustained. With style, performance, and status, these were the ultimate super-car of the 1930's. During the four years of production, less than 400 examples were created.

The 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet finished in two-tone Grey livery with Burgundy wire wheels and matching interior was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island. It was expected to fetch between $800,000-$950,000. It has had only three owners from new and is has a beautiful, one-of-a-kind body courtesy of Vanden Plas. The commission number is 271790. The semi-skirted rear wheels are a unique feature that adds ambiance to the vehicle. The sloping rear deck carefully guards a spare tire and provides cargo room for its occupants.

The first owner was Mr. Randolph Hearst who was the son of the publisher, William Randolph Hearst. The grandfather, George Hearst, had established the family's wealth through the California goldmines and a newspaper business. Randolph Hearst grew that wealth by expanding the newspaper business into a media and industrial empire.

Though there was interest in the vehicle at the auction, the highest bid failed to meet the reserve and the vehicle was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2006