1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Sindelfingen

VIN: 408383

$4,620,000

Sold

Seller details

  • Auction

    RM Auctions

  • Location

    Monterey, CA; US

  • Event date

    Aug 19 - Aug 20, 2011

  • Lot

    232

Vehicle specs

  • Chassis/VIN

    408383

  • Body style

    Roadster

  • Odometer

    677 K

  • Engine Type

    L8

  • Horsepower

    180

  • Induction

    SC

  • Interior Color

    Dark Blue

  • Exterior Color

    Dark Blue

  • Generation

    1936-1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K

Vehicle details

Notes and observations recorded by Hagerty staff.

Equipment

Spotlight, cowl mounted trafficators, mother of pearl instrument panel, chrome spoke body color wire wheels, wide whitewalls, rollup windows, windwings, Bosch head and dip beam lights, Telefunken radio. A late 540K with 5 speed (overdrive 5th) gearbox, fully disappearing top, spare hidden under a flush round cover on the rear deck. Tracked down in Russia in the late 60s by Alf Johansson. Authenticated as original chassis, body, engine and correct gearbox by M B Classic Germany. A very nice older restoration with sound but aged paint, chrome and upholstery.

Market commentary

The first of RMs unprecedented run of 540K Special Roadsters to cross the block and a spectacular and significant example with many unique features and design elements than presage postwar M B luxury cars, the bidding was hot and heavy and set the tone for the 540Ks to come.