1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Sindelfingen

Cabriolet A8-cyl. 5401cc/180hp Supercharged

North America

$2,205,000

Sold March 1, 2024

Hagerty expert commentary

Our staff has reviewed this vehicle. Here are our notes.

Equipment

5,410/115-180hp supercharged inline eight, 5-speed, steeply raked vee windshield, set back radiator, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts, Bosch headlights, dip beam light, dual spotlights with mirrors, trafficators, chevron grille guard, fitted luggage.

Condition

Plain white instrument panel, older gauges, very good interior wood. Upholstery is lightly surface creased. Paint and chrome are very good. An older concours restoration by Mike Fennel in the early 90’s with an attractive and flamboyant livery and a provenance that is hard to match: James Melton, Otis Chandler, Axel Wars and General William Lyon. Pebble Beach Best of Show for the Chandlers in 1973 (when it was Green.)

Market

Offered by RM at Amelia in 2016 where it was a no-sale at a reported $2.8 million high bid, then at Bonhams Scottsdale in 2021 where the no-sale bid was $1.9 million before being sold by RM at Monterey in 2022 for $1,765,000 all-in. It is a seriously attractive automobile until the practical folding top is piled up behind the tonneau like a homeless family’s tent. Regardless of that niggling complaint this is a spectacular M-B that brought a deserved superior price.

Hagerty Condition Rating#2 ExcellentCould win a regional car show. Drives like new.

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