1935 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A

The car series that included the 500K and 540K actually began with the 380 designed by Hans Nibel in 1933. Unfortunately, that car's 3.8 liter engine was woefully inadequate to pull the 5,000 pound vehicle. They not only increased the size of the engine but also supercharged it.

Prior to the official introduction of the 540K, Mercedes-Benz produced thirteen cars which were classified as 500Ks, but actually built with the new 5.4-liter motor, and which are commonly referred to as 'pre-production' cars. Only three of those thirteen are believed to survive.

Between 1934 and 1936, Mercedes-Benz built 356 500K (Kompressor) models, some of which were fitted with Sindelfingen bodies. This example played an unusual role in the transition from the 500K to the more powerful 540K. This car was built in May of 1935 with one of the first 5.4-liter straight-eight engines, and is referred to as a 'pre-series' or transition' production car. Some would say the design draws from the best of both worlds: the sporty look of the 500K from the rear, with its exposed, rear-mounted spare tires and short truck, and the more formal look of the later 540K in the front, with its sweeping fender lines and set-back radiator. Delivered on July 15th to Vogel Verlag, a publishing house owner in Possneck-Thurlington, it soon found its way to North Africa and was abandoned in the desert until being found and brought to the United States by U.S. Army General Walter B. Smith in 1945. After changing hands several times, the current owner acquired it in 1999. Thirteen chassis were built with the 5.4-liter engine. Three are known to exist.

In addition to the supercharger, standard equipment included two spare wheels and tires, safety glass, electric windshield wipers, tool kit, lighted number plates, hydraulic brakes, central lubrication, a 12-volt electrical system and a 4-speed gearbox with synchromesh on the top three gears.