| Description |
Although Sindelfingen offered a variety of Cabriolet bodies, designated A through D and F, a handful of special bodies were also built. The Special Cabriolet offered here is one of the most striking of these, it is one of just 5 examples produced in this style, and one of the earliest cars to be designated as a 540K.
The chassis and drive train used for these 5 cars is identical to that of the iconic Special Roadster. It has the same wheelbase, set back radiator and distinctive hood with side pipes used on these legendary automobiles. At the rear, twin spares provide a hint of the look of its predecessor, the 500K Special Roadster.
This 540K Special Cabriolet features a very low windscreen and attractive open fenders. The rake of the radiator shell implies swift motion as a finishing touch. According to its DBAG build sheet (Kommission 227730) it was originally delivered to Maria Loyder of Stuttgart on October 18, 1936.
After surviving WW II, it was brought to the US in the 1950s still in original condition. Intervening history is unknown until it was purchased by noted Japanese collector Nachiro Ishikawa in the 1980s who kept the car in California where he had some fettling done by Scott Grundfor Restorations. Mr. Ishikawa subsequently ran it twice in the Monte Carlo Historic Rally, covering 2,000 miles with First Place finishes in 1991 and 1994, shortly after which, also in 1994, he sold the 540K to a noted Mercedes Benz expert and MBCA member, along with the Mercedes-Benz 300SLS Prototype Roadster.
A sympathetic restoration was undertaken in the mid-1990s where a full mechanical refurbishment performed, including among many other things, a comprehensive rebuild of the original Rootes-type supercharger. Chassis, suspension, steering and braking systems were attended to with all parts reconditioned or replaced. The result earned a class win at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1996 and was the subject of a center spread feature in
'The Star' magazine (Nov/Dec 2004)
More recently it was re-restored to international concours standards, finished in flawless Black with Claret accents and a matching Black cloth top, expertly tailored using the original as a pattern. The interior is Black leather with contrasting Red piping to the seats and door panels and Red beading to the Black carpets. The dash center is gorgeous mother of pearl with Ivory gauge faces and switches surrounded by polished wood. All chrome moldings were properly repaired, straightened as needed and triple plated. Completed in 2006 it was shown first at the Forest Grove, Oregon Concours where it took Best of Show prior to being judged at Pebble Beach with 100 points that same year. Following that, the car was on display for some time at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California.
The Special Cabriolet is an exquisite example of one of the most legendary and remarkable of all Mercedes Benz automobiles. Although 30 special Roadsters were built, this striking Special Cabriolet is rarer by far. The low windshield and setback radiator gives the body a raking, sporting look while the twin rear spares lend the design a European flair - particularly when compared to the more conventional Cabriolet A body configuration which has a higher beltline. This important car is therefore highly recommended for inclusion in any serious collection of pre-war European classics where its style and universal appeal will be appreciated as much as its mechanical specifications, startling acceleration and surprisingly nimble handling. |
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