A RARE 1937 supercharged Mercedes-Benz is up for sale – and it’s set to fetch an eye-watering price.
The 540 K Cabriolet A model is going under the hammer with a lucky bidder set to relish in it on their driveway – if they’ve got a spare £2.4million.
A rare 1937 supercharged Mercedes-Benz is up for sale – and it’s set to fetch an eye-watering price[/caption]
It is expected to go under the hammer for £2.4milllion[/caption]
The interior boasts cream leather seats[/caption]
This incredible classic boasts an elegant deep burgundy finish with replated chrome on the exterior.
Meanwhile, the interior is complimented by biscuit tan leather seats with matching steering wheel.
Chrome continues on the inside with details throughout, as well as a sophisticated walnut and mother-of-pearl dashboard.
The beauty, by Sindelfingen, is just one of 32 models ever made, which makes it a rare gem.
There is also a set-back radiator and rear-mounted spares.
And, the supercharger has an impressive output of 180 horsepower, and top speeds of up to 100 mph.
It has been well cared for, with bidders able to see the original numbers-matching engine.
Auction house RM Sotherbys is putting the Merc up for sale in their Miami selection from February 27 to 28.
The listing reads: “Few automobiles of the Classic Era could compare in prestige, grandeur, and performance to the Mercedes-Benz 540 K, inarguably one of the finest and most beautiful cars ever to come from Stuttgart.
“Engineered by Hans Nibel, the 540 K boasted a pushrod overhead-valve inline eight-cylinder engine displacing 5,401 cubic centimeters and was equipped with a double-vane Roots-type supercharger.
“One of the all-time greatest designs on the 540 K chassis is the second series of the two-passenger Cabriolet A, which elegantly bridged the gap between the more formal Cabriolet designs and the renowned Special Roadster.
“Like the Special Roadster, this style had the radiator set back behind the front axle, enhancing the appearance of the long, sweeping front and rear fenders, much like those used on the roadsters.
“The spare tires were tucked into a recess on the tail which, along with a lower top, emphasized the sleek, truly special appearance.
“Jan Melin’s well-known standard reference work on the model, Mercedes-Benz 8: The Supercharged 8-Cylinder Cars of the 1930s, indicates that only 32 examples of this version of the Cabriolet A were produced.
This incredible classic has an elegant deep burgundy finish with replated chrome on the exterior[/caption]
And, the supercharger has an impressive output of 180 horsepower, and top speeds of up to 100 mph[/caption]
Nifty storage space[/caption]
“Today they are considered among the most sought-after examples of coachwork on the 540 K, commanding attention and prestige perhaps second only to the revered roadsters, as well as much of their dramatic styling charms.
“Chassis number 154146 was ordered in Paris in late 1936 by one Martha Jordans, with delivery made in February 1937 to her German residence on Albertusstraße in Mönchengladbach, as documented by an accompanying copy of its commission paper and the related excerpt from the karosserie buch.
“A handwritten note on the latter indicates that only 10 bodies of the 826200 series were made, and this, as body number 826201, was the first.
“Ms. Jordans reportedly later immigrated to the United States, bringing her 540 K with her. In the 1950s it re-emerged with Classic Car Club of America member Paul Hauck of Union, New Jersey, in whose ownership it was seen in the Spring 1957 issue of The Classic Car.
“It remained with Hauck until at least 1965 and is pictured, late in his ownership, on page 220 of the second volume of Melin’s book.
“Dennis Adler’s article on the car, published in the October 1989 issue of Car Collector, indicates that it later spent time in San Francisco during the 1970s, as well as five years in Colorado.
“It then joined the large Mercedes collection of the late Thomas Kreid of California, in whose ownership it was held at the time of Adler’s article.
“In 1996 it returned to Germany in the hands of Alfred Richter of Lampertheim, who reportedly drove the car on several rallies and accumulated some 30,000 kilometers (~18,641 miles), before passing it to another longtime Mercedes-Benz aficionado in the Golden State, Thomas Taffet.
Car Auctions: How To Nab A Bargain
Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.
Auctions aren’t restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.
Here’s what you need to know before attending an auction:
- Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.
- Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.
- Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.
- Be realistic: Realise that there won’t be a “perfect” car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.
- Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.
Key phrases to look out for:
- ‘No major mechanical faults’ – suggests that there shouldn’t be any issues with the car’s drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine.
- ‘Specified faults’ – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.
- ‘Sold as seen’ – the vehicle is sold with any problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.
- ‘Sold with a warranted mileage’ – The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.
“Mr. Taffet commissioned Mercedes-Benz expert Jim Friswold of Tigard, Oregon to perform a ground-up restoration of the car, in which the body was removed, the chassis stripped and powder-coated, and the suspension rebuilt.
“The transmission and rear axle were fully disassembled and had new bearings and seals installed; the engine had been rebuilt by the vaunted German specialists Reifen-Wagner during Mr. Richter’s ownership and was found to require no work.
“The cosmetics were thoroughly attended to with all chrome replated, and the body refinished in an attractive deep burgundy hue with biscuit tan leather upholstery and high-quality German materials used for the top and headliner.
“With the work completed, the car was exhibited at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, winning Third in Class, followed by achieving Best of Show at the 2015 Arizona Concours d’Elegance.
“In 2017, the immediate prior owner acquired the car and then passed in trade several years later to the current caretaker, a longtime enthusiast of the supercharged Mercedes-Benz who has enjoyed several excellent examples.
“In his ownership it has benefited from further mechanical sorting, including the radiator being rebuilt by the foremost specialists at Blaak Radiators in the Netherlands, and rebuilding of the shocks, a valve job, and a new head gasket by the consignor’s in-house facility.
“A beautiful example of the iconic 540 K, this car combines wonderful known provenance, beautiful condition, and one of the finest body styles to become a specimen that few presently on the market can equal.”
This comes as another ultra rare iconic car with a high speed of 250mph and a hydraulic spoiler has hit the market for £840,000.
The limited edition Nissan GT-R50 boasts a super-sleek sports car finish in Liquid Silver and black.
The flash exterior has accents of Nismo Red, which continues into the interior.
The incredible motor is powered by a 3.8-litre V-6 engine which produces 710 horsepower and 575 ft lbs of torque.
Elsewhere, an incredible 1950s BMW, dubbed one of Elvis Presley’s favourites, is set to go under the hammer for a whopping £1.65million.
The glamourous 507 Roadster is going up for auction at a watering price – could you be the lucky bidder.
It has famously been owned by Elvis Presley, John Surtees, Bernie Ecclestone, and Ursula Andress.
There were only 218 models made, manufactured from 1956 until 1959 – making the motor super-rare.
If that doesn’t take your fancy, a spectacular McLaren Senna XP, just one of ten in existence, is also up for auction.
The powerful motor has just 47 miles on the clock and carries a 4.0L twin-turbo V8.
The auction will run from February 27 to 28[/caption]
There is also a set-back radiator and rear-mounted spares[/caption]
Chrome continues on the inside with details throughout, as well as a sophisticated walnut and mother-of-pearl dashboard[/caption]
