An exceptional 540 K Special Roadster headlines Arizona 2016

This striking 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster is ranking as one of the most valuable automobiles ever presented during the Arizona auction week. Presented in wonderful, restored condition and with a mere 10,277 miles on its odometer, this rare 540k is offered for the first time following 26 years in single ownership.

[@tomasbarretobardales3410]

Stunning car!

[@danconlan64]

just a great car but it makes me sad that the great cars of U S A didn't survive the depression Cord,Auburn ,Duesenberg.Stutz,Marmon,many more how did Mercedes survive. Germany was broken in the 30s Nazi support I guess

[@The_Ossifrage]

Mercedes was a huge company making a variety of vehicles, including trucks and buses that were widely used across Europe. Most of the US marques that didn't survive were niche luxury makers who lost most of their market in times of economic hardship, and didn't make anything else to fall back on.

[@Loulovesspeed]

I'll agree that it is a stunning automobile but it's not "an incredible piece of mechanical engineering", with the exception of the chassis and suspension. The engine was the disappointment as it was a typical straight eight, OHV, and with a supercharger it could only manage 180 HP. The straight eight of the Duesenberg was a DOHC, that put out 320 HP. Put the Duesenberg engine in the Mercedes and you have the complete, luxury sports car!

[@teaearlgrayh0t]

American. Only cares about horse powers.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@teaearlgrayh0t- Sorry, but that wasn't my point. Mercedes built some of the most powerful engines in the world in the 1930s, as a show of Hitler's belief in German domination and superiority. My point was why would they build such a beautiful, sporting vehicle as the 500 Series Mercedes and put an engine in it that was more suitable to an average sedan?

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@teaearlgrayh0t A car that exudes speed like the 540 K does should certainly have a reasonable amount of Cojones.

[@monocle8868]

I like your idea. Can we put a modern engine, like the Bentley V12?

[@Wilantonjakov]

@@monocle8868 NO

[@عبداللهالكناني-ق3و]

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