Mercedes Benz 540k cabriolet color print

The early thirties saw Daimler-Benz begin to design high-speed touring cars, culminating in 1936 with the construction of the 540K. The eight-cylinder, 5.4-liter, big-bore engine was supercharged - and engaging; it rewarded drivers with a distinctive C-note from the 540K's whinnying blower. The engine developed 180 horsepower, was capable of 0-60 mph in 16.4 seconds and had a top speed of 105 mph. The steering was stiff at lower speeds, but one look at the body (there were nine options) made it clear that speed would never be a problem. The 5,720-pound car was equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission and four-wheel independent suspension.

This was the fastest production automobile of its era.

The vehicle was ordered in April of 1936 by W.A.M. Burden of New York. He took delivery in Paris and drove it for several summers before brining it home to the U.S.

The custom body was by Sindelfingen. The false grille were built to his order and he specified the chrome to be painted out. Anything that was metal plated, such as the wheel hubs and other minor trim, is done in brass.

The vehicle is powered by an in-line, eight-cylinder, 5.4-liter, big-bore engine that is supercharged - the designation 'K' stands for Kompressor - and engaging; it rewarded drivers with a distinctive C-note from the 540 K's whining blower. The 180-horsepower engine is coupled to a 4-speed manual transmission to move the 5,720 pound vehicle. The car has a top speed of 105 mph and the 0-60 mph performance is 16.4 seconds.

The fastest production automobile of its era, the 540 K was also the last supercharged production automobile that Mercedes built.