1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster
About the Car
1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster
Prestigious Victory: The iconic Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster clinched the coveted "Best of Show" title at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2023, a testament to its timeless appeal.
Classic Triumph: Amidst a collection of distinguished classics, the sporty luxury car emerged victorious in the jury vote, marking a milestone for both the brand and the event.
Historical Legacy: With this tenth "Best of Show" accolade, Mercedes-Benz solidifies its position as the most successful brand in the event's history, spanning over seven decades.
Regal Origin: Commissioned in 1937 for Afghanistan's King Mohammed Zahir Shah, the Special Roadster boasts a Sindelfingen body, characterized by elegant design cues and a performance-driven aura.
Artistic Sculpture: The vehicle's graceful lines, curved body contours, and a discreetly placed spare wheel seamlessly blend aesthetics and speed, resulting in an automotive masterpiece.
Priceless Acquisition: The recent owner acquired the 540 K Special Roadster for a remarkable $9.9 million during the 2022 Pebble Beach Automotive Week, underlining its exceptional value.
Expert Restoration: Meticulous restoration ensued post-auction, guided by the expertise of RM Auto Restoration and Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, preserving the vehicle's authenticity.
Merging Past and Present: Mercedes-Benz Heritage's involvement and detailed documentation played a vital role in meticulously reconstructing the car's history, creating a seamless connection between eras.
Expert Legacy Reports: Mercedes-Benz Classic's revered expert reports offer a captivating window into the vehicle's history, combining archival research and analytical insights for an unmatched account of authenticity.
Collectors' Treasure: Presently owned by collector Jim Patterson, the Special Roadster joins a lineage of prestigious "Best of Show" winners, underscoring its place in the realm of automotive excellence.
Remarkable Triumph: Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster Takes the Spotlight
In a triumph that reverberated through the classic car world, the revered title of "Best of Show" at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2023 was claimed by the captivating Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster (W 29). The prestigious event, which unfolded on Sunday, 20 August 2023, celebrated the spirit of automotive excellence and history. Amidst a select assembly of timeless classics, this sporty luxury car emerged victorious in the jury vote, marking the pinnacle of Pebble Beach Automotive Week (17 to 20 August 2023). The storied brand, Mercedes-Benz, garnered its tenth "Best of Show" accolade since the inception of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1950, solidifying its standing as a true luminary in the classic car realm.
Royal Legacy: The Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster's Tale
Steeped in history and bound by elegance, the 540 K Special Roadster's journey began in May 1937 when it was commissioned for none other than Mohammed Zahir Shah, the King of Afghanistan. A testament to the indelible craftsmanship of Mercedes-Benz, this Sindelfingen-crafted masterpiece exudes a blend of performance and elegance that has stood the test of time. Notably distinguished by its graceful door lines, flowing body contours, and concealed spare wheel, this automotive sculpture showcases the essence of speed and sophistication. An embodiment of regal automotive tastes, the vehicle's path led to the esteemed Pebble Beach Automotive Week in 2022, where it changed hands for a remarkable $9.9 million.
Restoration Worthy of Royalty: Mercedes-Benz Heritage's Imprint
Post-auction, the 540 K Special Roadster embarked on a meticulous restoration journey, overseen by the skilled hands of RM Auto Restoration and the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. A symphony of authenticity and expertise unfolded as Mercedes-Benz Heritage played a pivotal role in preserving the vehicle's historic integrity. The restoration narrative was further enriched by meticulous documentation from the Mercedes-Benz Classic archives, seamlessly intertwining the past with the present.
Chronicle of Excellence: Mercedes-Benz Classic's Expert Reports
Each masterpiece tells a story, and the 540 K Special Roadster's tale is encapsulated in the revered expert reports by Mercedes-Benz Classic. These reports, sought after worldwide for their unwavering dedication to historical accuracy, offer a comprehensive view of the vehicle's origins and journey. A blend of archival research and meticulous analysis, these reports provide an unparalleled insight into the biography and authenticity of these rare automotive gems, firmly establishing their significance in the annals of classic car culture.
Timeless Odyssey: Tracing the 540 K Special Roadster's Path
Traveling back in time through the archives of Mercedes-Benz, the road taken by the 540 K Special Roadster is illuminated. Commissioned by the Afghan royal court in 1937, the vehicle graced the streets of Paris before finding its way to Great Britain and later, the United States. A testament to meticulous preservation, this exceptional roadster's legacy is measured not only in years but also in the remarkably few miles it has traversed.
Collector's Dream: The Legacy of Jim Patterson
The current custodian of this automotive masterpiece is none other than Jim Patterson, a collector with an affinity for excellence. His collection boasts previous winners of the "Best of Show" title at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, including the Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Worblaufen Cabriolet (1924) and the Delage D8 S de Villars Roadster (1933). Adding to the legacy, the Mercedes-Benz marque reigned supreme with Arturo and Deborah Keller’s Mercedes-Benz 540 K Autobahnkurier in 2021 and Bruce McCaw’s Barker-bodied Mercedes-Benz Type S Touring Car in 2017.
The Craft of Mastery
A symphony of engineering, the Untertürkheim plant marked an era of excellence with the production of 760 chassis for the W 29 series, encompassing the 500 K and 540 K models. The craftsmanship extended to both the five-liter and 5.4-liter engines, powering 354 and 406 units respectively. With a diverse array of nine body variants meticulously assembled at the Sindelfingen plant, the 540 K Special Roadster, showcased in roadster form, remains an exemplar of automotive artistry.