1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Sindelfingen

VIN: 130944

$3,080,000

Sold

Seller details

  • Auction

    RM Auctions

  • Location

    Monterey, CA; US

  • Event date

    Aug 19 - Aug 20, 2011

  • Lot

    236

Vehicle specs

  • Chassis/VIN

    130944

  • Body style

    Special Coupe

  • Odometer

    4867 K

  • Interior Color

    Cream leather

  • Exterior Color

    Dark Red

  • Generation

    1936-1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K

Vehicle details

Notes and observations recorded by Hagerty staff.

Equipment

Chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual spares inset into rear deck, laced on leather steering wheel cover, Bosch headlights and dip lamp, skirted rear wheels. 1936 Paris Salon show car, one of very few closed 540Ks. Numbers matching and confirmed by M B Classic Germany inspection. First owned by Jean Claude Solvay in Belgium, later by John Mozart and the Imperial Palace. Sharp but now aged concours restoration. Strong paint and chrome. Chassis and interior are aged to the point of patina. Lyon Family collection.

Market commentary

Its a measure of the skill and vision of Sindelfingens design team led by Hermann Ahrens that this closed coupe is such an exciting and visually distinctive design. That plus its originality, provenance and sympathetic restoration accounts for its exceptional value. On open road events this will be one of the most admired and appreciated participants, particularly when it gets chilly or the raindrops start. A wonderful automobile that will be a star in any collection and worth every penny of the price it brought today.