Written by independent automotive journalist Rich Taylor

Winner of multiple prestigious awards, this stunning 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K (Lot #1376) graced the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction block in January 2016.

The iconic Mercedes-Benz Type 540K was first shown at the 1936 Paris Auto Show. Engineered by Friedrich Geiger, it was developed from the 500K, which in turn was based on the legendary Mercedes-Benz SSK created by Ferdinand Porsche. The 540K went into production in 1936 and remained in production until 1940, though some chassis were bodied as late as 1944. There were only 419 built in total.

Though they are often grouped together in Mercedes-Benz literature, the 540K is actually quite superior to the earlier 500K. The inline-8 engine has been increased to 5401cc, fed by twin updraft carburetors and a Roots-type supercharger that was intended to be used only for short bursts, much like the “push to pass” auxiliary systems on today’s Formula One cars. The 540K was rated at 115hp normally aspirated or 180hp with the supercharger engaged. Claimed top speed was 110 mph ‒ very fast at the time for a big luxury car.

When the Mercedes star was inserted into the Benz laurel wreath in 1926, the combined companies ‒ under the guidance of legendary engineers like Ferdinand Porsche, Hans Nibel, Rudolf Uhlenhaut and Freidrich Geiger ‒ built some of the grandest cars of the Golden Age. All Full-Classic Mercedes-Benz have a certain gravitas, an innate presence that sets them apart from lesser machines.

Among other modern features, this 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K (Lot #1376) that crossed the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction came with a manual 4-speed gearbox, vacuum-assist four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and a very sophisticated new frame constructed of oval tubes similar to that used on the famous “cost-no-object” Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows Grand Prix cars. The robust frame rides on independent front suspension arms and independent rear swing axles with coil springs front and rear. Although it started life with a Cabriolet B body configuration, it has been updated to a highly desirable Cabriolet A body configuration.

This fabulous 540K Cabriolet won Most Significant Mercedes-Benz at 2008 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance, Mercedes Star of Excellence at 2009 Amelia Island Concours and Best European Pre-War at 2011 Amelia Island Concours. Thanks to a high-quality restoration and meticulous care by the Kemp Auto Museum in Chesterfield, Missouri, it remains concours-quality today. A top-line Mercedes on the 117.3-inch short chassis, this two-passenger 4-speed Cabriolet punches all the right buttons … dual sidemounts, dual spotlights, chrome wire wheels, immaculate Burgundy bodywork with contrasting Cream leather interior and Cream convertible top. Not to mention the famous three-pointed star standing proudly atop the classic Mercedes grille.

Every major carrosserie created bodies on Mercedes-Benz chassis, but interestingly enough, most of the prettiest Mercedes were done by the in-house coachbuilders in the factory … witness our 540K Cabriolet. It’s characterized by its steeply raked windshield, mildly swept-back grille and overall clean styling. Everything is about exquisite good taste and masterful detailing, from the gracefully-curved external top bows to the multi-colored hubcaps, from the simple front bumper to the sweeping trunk line, from the polished mahogany dash to the simple black steering wheel. There is nothing jarring, nothing out of place, nothing to keep this magnificent Mercedes-Benz from being, well … just about perfect.

This 1939 Mercedes-Benz Type 540K Cabriolet is one of the prettiest Mercedes of the Golden Era. It has a long list of prestigious concours awards and is in pristine condition. Surprisingly, Mercedes Type 540Ks are enjoyable to drive, with performance and handling like a car designed decades later – something one lucky bidder at the 2016 Scottsdale Auction has likely discovered by now.

– Written by independent automotive journalist Rich Taylor

For the sale price of this vehicle, click HERE.