Overview

  • 1938
  • Year Built

Description

Production 1936–1940 (chassis — last bodies completed in 1944)
Assembly Untertürkheim factory, Sindelfingen, Germany
Predecessor Mercedes-Benz 500K
Introduced at the 1936 Paris Motor Show, the Friedrich Geiger designed car was a development to the 500K, itself a
development of the SSK. Available as a two seater cabriolet, four seater coupé or seven seater limousine with armoured sides
and armoured glass, it was one of the largest cars of the time.
The straight-8 cylinder engine of the 500K was increased to 5,401 cubic centimetres (329.6 cu in), which aspirated by twin
pressurized updraft carburetors, developed a natural 115 hp (86 kW). However, there was an attached Roots supercharger
which could either be engaged manually for short periods, or automatically when the accelerator was pushed fully to the
floor. This increased power to 180 hp (130 kW), creating a top speed of 170 kilometres per hour (110 mph).
Power was sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed or optional five speed manual gearbox that featured synchromesh on
the top three gears. Vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes kept the car under the driver’s control.
The 540K had the same chassis layout at the 500K, but was significantly lightened by replacing the girder-like frame of the
500K with oval-section tubes – an influence of the Silver Arrows racing campaign.
To meet individual wishes of customers, three chassis variants were available as for the 500K: two long versions with a 3,290
mm (130 in) wheelbase, differing in terms of powertrain and bodywork layout; and a short version with 2,980 mm (117 in).
The long variant, termed the normal chassis with the radiator directly above the front axle, served as the backbone for the
four-seater cabriolets ‘B’ (with four side windows) and ‘C’ (with two side windows), and for touring cars and sedans. The
shorter chassis was for the two-seater cabriolet ‘A,’ set up on a chassis on which radiator, engine, cockpit and all rearward
modules[clarification needed] were moved 185 mm (7.3 in) back from the front axle.
The Sindelfingen factory employed 1,500 people to create the 540K, and allowed a great deal of owner customisation,
meaning only 70 chassis were ever bodied by independent builders. Owners included Jack Warner of Warner Brothers film
studios.
With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the proposed further boring-out of the engine to 5,800 cubic centimetres (5.8 l)
for a 580K was aborted, probably after only one such car was made. Chassis production ceased in 1940, with the final 2
being completed that year, and earlier chassis were still being bodied at a steady rate during 1940, with smaller numbers
being completed in the 1941–1943 period. Regular replacement bodies were ordered in 1944 for a few cars.
Successor Mercedes-Benz 580K (Prototype only)
Body style two seater cabriolet
four seater coupé
seven seater limousine
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine 5,401 cc straight-8
Transmission 4-speed or optional 5-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,980 mm (117.3 in) (SWB)
3,290 mm (129.5 in) (Normal)
3,880 mm (152.8 in) (Special)
Curb weight Up to 2,700 kg (6,000 lb)
Designer Friedrich Geiger
Mercedes-Benz Roadster Keywords

Price: 1990000
Year: 1938
HP: 180
KMH: Production 1936–1940 (chassis — last bodies completed in 1944)
Assembly Untertürkheim factory, Sindelfingen, Germany
Predecessor Mercedes-Benz 500K
Introduced at the 1936 Paris Motor Show, the Friedrich Geiger designed car was a development to the 500K, itself a
development of the SSK. Available as a two seater cabriolet, four seater coupé or seven seater limousine with armoured sides
and armoured glass, it was one of the largest cars of the time.
The straight-8 cylinder engine of the 500K was increased to 5,401 cubic centimetres (329.6 cu in), which aspirated by twin
pressurized updraft carburetors, developed a natural 115 hp (86 kW). However, there was an attached Roots supercharger
which could either be engaged manually for short periods, or automatically when the accelerator was pushed fully to the
floor. This increased power to 180 hp (130 kW), creating a top speed of 170 kilometres per hour (110 mph).
Power was sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed or optional five speed manual gearbox that featured synchromesh on
the top three gears. Vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes kept the car under the driver’s control.
The 540K had the same chassis layout at the 500K, but was significantly lightened by replacing the girder-like frame of the
500K with oval-section tubes – an influence of the Silver Arrows racing campaign.
To meet individual wishes of customers, three chassis variants were available as for the 500K: two long versions with a 3,290
mm (130 in) wheelbase, differing in terms of powertrain and bodywork layout; and a short version with 2,980 mm (117 in).
The long variant, termed the normal chassis with the radiator directly above the front axle, served as the backbone for the
four-seater cabriolets ‘B’ (with four side windows) and ‘C’ (with two side windows), and for touring cars and sedans. The
shorter chassis was for the two-seater cabriolet ‘A,’ set up on a chassis on which radiator, engine, cockpit and all rearward
modules[clarification needed] were moved 185 mm (7.3 in) back from the front axle.
The Sindelfingen factory employed 1,500 people to create the 540K, and allowed a great deal of owner customisation,
meaning only 70 chassis were ever bodied by independent builders. Owners included Jack Warner of Warner Brothers film
studios.
With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the proposed further boring-out of the engine to 5,800 cubic centimetres (5.8 l)
for a 580K was aborted, probably after only one such car was made. Chassis production ceased in 1940, with the final 2
being completed that year, and earlier chassis were still being bodied at a steady rate during 1940, with smaller numbers
being completed in the 1941–1943 period. Regular replacement bodies were ordered in 1944 for a few cars.
Successor Mercedes-Benz 580K (Prototype only)
Body style two seater cabriolet
four seater coupé
seven seater limousine
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine 5,401 cc straight-8
Transmission 4-speed or optional 5-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,980 mm (117.3 in) (SWB)
3,290 mm (129.5 in) (Normal)
3,880 mm (152.8 in) (Special)
Curb weight Up to 2,700 kg (6,000 lb)
Designer Friedrich Geiger
Mercedes-Benz Roadster Keywords

Details

Updated on December 5, 2013 at 12:00 am
  • Price: €1,990,000
  • Year Built: 1938

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