134 Mercedes 540K Cabriolet A (1937)

Mercedes 540K Cabriolet A (1936-40) Engine 5401cc S8 Supercharged

Chassis Number 169355

MERCEDES SET

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623671722255...

 

Designed by Friedrich Geiger and introduced at the 1936 Paris Motorshow the 540K was a developedment of the 500K with an enlarged in displacement to 5,401 cubic centimetres fed by twin pressurized updraft carburetors, developing a 115 hp (86 kW). In addition, 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 increasing output to 180bhp and a top speed of top speed of 170 kilometres per hour (110 mph). Driving through a four-speed or optional five-speed manual gearbox that featured synchromesh on the top three gears and stopping with vacuum assisted hydraulic braking. Available as a both a two- and four-seat cabriolet, four seater coupé or seven seater limousine (with armoured sides and armoured glass), it was one of the largest cars of its time.The 540K had the same chassis layout at the 500K, but it was significantly lightened by replacing the girder-like frame of the 500K with oval-section tubes 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, the 'B' (with four side windows) and 'C' (with two side windows), and for touring cars and saloons. The shorter chassis was for the two-seater cabriolet 'A', set up on a chassis on which radiator, engine, cockpit and all rearward modules 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. Regular replacement bodies were ordered in 1944 for a few cars

 

This car rolled of the Sidelfingen assembly line in 1937, and was delivered new to its first Berlin based owner on the 2nd July 1937. Shortly after WW2 it was purchased by Editoriale Domus on behalf of Gianinni Mazzocci, – founder of Quattroruote, as the flagship car of his motor collection, it remained untouched until 1966 when recommissioned to participate in various classic car events. In 1993 a major restoration was embarked upon which would take the next ten years under specialist Vittorio Klun of Milan, under the close scrutiny of Frederick Robutti, – head of the Quattroruote Museum, unusually it had remained in the same ownership from just after WW2 until 2017 when offered for auction

 

This shot was taken at the Coys Alexandra Palace Aution of 2016, but the car was merely on display pending future sale. It was offered by Coys at their True Greats Sale, at The Royal Horteculture Societys, Lindley Hall, Victoria Square London on 5th December 2017

 

Thankyou for a massive 57,396,125 views

 

Shot 28.10.2016 at The Alexandra Palace, London REF 124-134

Done