The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster stands as an icon of pre-war automotive luxury and design. Introduced at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show, the 500K, internally designated as the W29, was the brainchild of the brilliant Dr. Hans Nibel. Nibel, a former racing driver and engineer with a history of creating powerful machines like the Blitzen Benz and the Mercedes-Benz S/SS/SSK/SSKL series, aimed to infuse Mercedes-Benz’s flagship model with both groundbreaking technology and breathtaking style. This commitment to unified design philosophy linked the opulent 500K surprisingly closely to its racing sibling, the ‘Silver Arrow’ Grand Prix W25, unveiled just months prior. Both shared a foundation of low-slung box-section chassis, advanced all-round coil-sprung independent suspension, high-performance hydraulic drum brakes, and potent straight-eight engines.
Alt text: Striking front three-quarter view of a meticulously restored 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster, showcasing its iconic grille, sweeping fenders, and luxurious cream convertible top, emphasizing the vehicle’s elegant design and powerful presence.
The 500K marked a new era of high-speed, luxurious touring cars. Its 5-liter OHV straight-eight engine was engineered for robust torque, producing a smooth 100bhp in naturally aspirated form, and surging to 160bhp with the engaging of its Roots-type supercharger. This supercharger, activated by fully depressing the accelerator, transformed the car’s character, offering exhilarating performance. While precise torque figures from the era are elusive, the later 540K’s impressive 180bhp and 318lbft of torque suggest the 500K delivered around 300lbft, ensuring effortless power delivery.
Mated to a durable three-speed manual gearbox, the M24 engine and chassis combination impressed critics and enthusiasts alike. “Autocar” magazine hailed the 500K as “a master car for the very few,” praising its refined driving experience. They noted its dual personality: “without the supercharger this is a quiet, docile carriage… It will amble around town… with scarcely a hint of its latent performance. Bring in the supercharger and it becomes another machine, with fierce acceleration.” The 500K’s hydraulic drum brakes, enhanced by power assistance, and the innovative transverse-mounted coil-springs on the rear swing-axle contributed to its exceptional handling and stability, especially remarkable for a car capable of reaching 100mph in the 1930s.
Built with meticulous attention to detail at Mercedes-Benz’s Unterturkheim plant, the 500K chassis served as a canvas for diverse body styles crafted by the renowned Sindelfingen coachbuilders. Herman Ahrens, who joined Mercedes-Benz in 1932 to head the Sonderwagen (Special Vehicles) division, played a pivotal role in shaping the 500K’s aesthetic. Ahrens, at just twenty-eight years old, masterfully utilized the W29’s various wheelbase and chassis configurations to create designs of unparalleled elegance and sophistication. His creations were so compelling that over 90% of 500K buyers opted for Sindelfingen bodies.
Alt text: Detailed side profile blueprint drawing of a 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster, emphasizing its elongated chassis, graceful curves, and the meticulous design details that informed its iconic body shape, crucial for authentic restorations.
The allure of the 500K Special Roadster bodywork was undeniable. Originally offered as a factory option, these designs are now meticulously recreated using original “1935 Mercedes Benz 500k Special Roadster Drawings”. The featured car, chassis number 123741, exemplifies this dedication to historical accuracy. Originally ordered in November 1935, historical records suggest it was initially owned by Lt. Colonel Stancomb in London, registered as ‘HXM 325’, and specified with the coveted ‘Special Roadster’ coachwork. Intriguingly, another 500K, chassis number 123737, was delivered to the Marquis de Portago, registered ‘GC 5149’, further showcasing the Special Roadster’s appeal to discerning clientele.
This particular chassis, 123741, journeyed to America by 1938, owned by Mark Stevens of Scotia, New York. Later, it passed to Robert Saunders of Massachusetts, who entrusted its engine overhaul to renowned restorer M.L. Bud Cohn in 1971. Despite refurbishment attempts, by the time it entered its previous owner’s hands, chassis 123741 was in need of comprehensive restoration. This led to a remarkable transformation by Mercedes-Benz expert Franz Prahl.
Prahl, a highly respected restorer, undertook a meticulous rebodying process. Discarding the original Cabriolet C body, Prahl painstakingly reconstructed a Special Roadster body “to the minutest detail with reference to the factory drawings”. This dedication to authenticity is paramount, ensuring that the reborn classic is not merely an imitation, but a true representation of the original design intent captured in the “1935 mercedes benz 500k special roadster drawings”.
Alt text: Elegant rear three-quarter perspective of the flawlessly restored 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster, highlighting its sweeping rear fenders, spare tire placement, and the cream-colored interior, underscoring the vehicle’s blend of sporty style and opulent craftsmanship.
The result is, as described, “spectacular”. The car presents in brand new condition, having covered only around 400 miles since its comprehensive rebuild. Its black paintwork is flawless, complemented by a newly covered cream hood and Double Duck Tonneau cover. The cream leather interior and matching carpets further enhance the luxurious feel, while the dashboard and instruments are period-correct and fully functional. Mechanically, the car is equally impressive. Its engine, number 123741, runs and drives exceptionally well, having been completely rebuilt to 1935 specifications. The gearbox, axles, and running gear are original to the car, meticulously restored.
This 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster, registered in Germany as a 1935 model, represents the pinnacle of classic car restoration. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the original “1935 mercedes benz 500k special roadster drawings” and the dedication of experts like Franz Prahl who ensure these automotive masterpieces continue to captivate generations. This reborn 500K is not just a car; it’s a rolling sculpture, a piece of history meticulously brought back to life.
