1935 Mercedes-Benz 540 K
Spezial-Roadster
America had the Duesenberg
Model J, France had the Talbot-Lago Teardrop and Germany had the 540K
Spezial-Roadster. Also known as the Special Roadster, only 26 of these striking
models were made with the best engineering and highest craftsmanship available
to Mercedes-Benz. If only one car could epitomize Mercedes-Benz luxury, this
would be the best choice as it's the company's masterwork.
Released at the Paris Motor
Show in 1936, the 540K became a flagship Mercedes-Benz and was built by special
order only. It followed the eight cylinder 500K and helped maintain
Mercedes-Benz as a prestige marque that produced the fastest production
automobiles in the world.
Each car was individually
built to customer's needs and Mercedes-Benz prepared a range of available
bodies. Among these were the spectacular Spezial-Roadsters built by
Mercedes-Benz's own Karrosserie Sindelfingen. These flowing two-seat roadsters
were one of the most striking prewar designs, easily distinguished by their
prominent hood, sweeping fenders, recessed grill, external exhaust pipes, raked
windscreen and extreme length. They are arguably the most beautiful German
supercars and have a commanding presence.
Hermann Ahrens was
responsible for styling the Special Roadster. His design was a marvel of
proportion that was harmonious despite being over 17 feet long and only
accommodating two passengers. This beauty was extended underneath the skin with
a chassis that would become the company's ultimate pre-war expression.
Engineer Gustav Rohr
upgraded the 540K chassis when he wasn't already working on the incredible
Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix cars. He built upon the 500K's original concept
initially developed under the direction of Hans Nibel. The layout called for a
supercharged inline-8 that could propel any style of body with relative ease.
The 540K expanded on this
theme by having an enlarged 5.4 liter inline-8 which was good for was good for
180 hp and 170 km/h. The main highlight of the engine was its gear driven,
Rootes-type supercharger (or Kompressor) that could spool up on demand to
increase the power from 115 bhp to 180 bhp. This setup was a similar to the
supercharged S, SS and SSK racecars which were designed by Ferdinand Porsche to
help Mercedes-Benz dominate racing in the twenties.
Like the 500K, the 540K
chassis had an array of impressive features, the most important being
four-wheel independent suspension. Upfront were twin parallel wishbones and the
rear had swing arms. Synchromesh was standard for three of four forward speeds
in the transmission and top gear catered to high speed autobahn travel. The
540K was lengthened, with a longer wheelbase that extended the hood and allowed
for a new vee-shaped radiator. Rohr also updated the suspension and braking
systems.
While factory records show
that the factory built over 400 540Ks, as little as 26 Spezial-Roadsters where
completed. With superb engineering, exacting craftsmanship and gracious
styling, the Spezial Roadster is now one of the most sought supercars.
