1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet by Vanden Plas

1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet by Vanden Plas

Late in 1938, a revised 540K made its appearance, with oval-section chassis tubes instead of channel frame members, while the adoption of sodium-cooled valves followed the company’s highly successful racing practice. The manufacturing record of the 540K reveals its exclusive nature: 97 being produced in 1936, 145 in 1937, 95 in 1938 and 69 in 1939 before the war ended series production (though three more were built up to July 1942). In recent years, the rarity, style and performance of these big supercharged Mercedes have made them one of the most sought-after of all classic cars on the few occasions they have come on the open market.

Although the company’s own Sindelfingen coachwork left little room for improvement, the 500K/540K chassis nevertheless attracted the attention of many of the better quality bespoke coachbuilders of the day, including Vanden Plas, which was responsible for the handsome cabriolet presented here. Offering comfortable four-seater accommodation allied to breathtaking performance, the car is finished in silver grey livery with Burgundy leather interior while noteworthy features include semi-skirted rear wheels and enclosure of the spare wheel within the boot lid.

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