The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster stands as a testament to the zenith of pre-war automotive engineering and design. Born in an era defined by both technological advancement and burgeoning nationalism, this vehicle was not merely a mode of transport; it was a statement of power, luxury, and exquisite craftsmanship. Designed for the newly constructed German Autobahns, the 500K, and its successor the 540K, represented the pinnacle of automotive aspiration. Its engineering innovations, particularly the supercharged engine and advanced suspension, were matched only by the breathtaking beauty of its coachwork, most notably in the coveted Special Roadster variant.
Design Elegance from the Rear: The Special Roadster’s Tail
When considering the aesthetics of the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster, the rear view is undeniably captivating. The “long tail” design, a hallmark of the most desirable subvariants, extends the car’s silhouette in a graceful, sweeping line, emphasizing its length and inherent dynamism. This elongated rear deck wasn’t just an aesthetic flourish; it contributed to the car’s streamlined appearance, hinting at the high speeds it was engineered to achieve.
The famed coachworks of Karrosserie Sindelfingen, under the guidance of Hermann Ahrens, were responsible for sculpting these automotive masterpieces. Borgeson, a respected historian, eloquently described Ahrens’ roadster designs as possessing a “harmony and balance of line and mass…which very simply defies any conceivable improvement.” Indeed, from the rear view, the seamless integration of flowing fenders, the subtly integrated spare wheel, and the elegant curvature of the bodywork all contribute to a visual perfection that remains timeless. The rear view is a study in proportion and fluidity, a testament to the artistry of automotive design in the 1930s.
Engineering Marvel: The Supercharged Straight-Eight
Beneath the stunning coachwork, the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster housed an engineering marvel of its time: a 5,018 cc supercharged straight-eight engine. This powerplant was a development of Mercedes-Benz’s Kompressor lineage, renowned for its innovative “at will” supercharging system. Drawing from the company’s expertise in aero-engine design, the supercharger was engaged only at full throttle, delivering a surge of power for overtaking or ascending steep inclines.
This unique system, described by some as akin to a “kick-down” in modern automatic transmissions, unleashed a dramatic increase in power – up to 50 percent more – accompanied by the distinctive, almost “demoniacal howl” of the Roots-type blower. Contemporary accounts from publications like The Autocar in 1936, as quoted by H.S. Linfield, describe the experience as unparalleled, with the supercharger noise being “perhaps no other car noise in the world so distinctive.” This potent engine, combined with independent suspension and servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes, ensured that the 500K delivered performance commensurate with its luxurious and imposing presence.
A Car of its Time: 1930s Germany and the Autobahn
The Mercedes-Benz 500K was conceived for the burgeoning network of high-speed Autobahns across Germany in the 1930s. It was a car for the elite, a symbol of status and technological prowess in a rapidly changing world. Produced in limited numbers – only 354 chassis of all body styles between 1934 and 1936 – the 500K was an exclusive machine for a select clientele.
Interestingly, the article mentions the association of the Special Roadster with powerful figures in 1930s Germany, including Hermann Goering and Adolf Hühnlein. While these historical connections are part of the car’s narrative, it is important to appreciate the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster primarily for its automotive excellence and design artistry, transcending the political context of its era. Its enduring appeal lies in its engineering innovation and the sheer beauty of its form.
Legacy and Restoration: The Franz Prahl Example
Production of the Special Roadster body style was exceptionally limited, making original examples incredibly rare and highly sought after. The article highlights a specific car, chassis number 113688, originally a Cabriolet C, which was meticulously re-bodied as a Special Roadster by the esteemed German restorer Franz Prahl.
Prahl’s work is described as “manic” in its attention to detail, with recreations so accurate they are virtually indistinguishable from original Sindelfingen coachwork. His painstaking process, taking years to complete each car, involved recreating every detail to perfection, from the wooden frame to the brushed metal skin and brass fittings. This dedication to authenticity ensures that the legacy of the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster endures, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the car’s original splendor even today.
The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster remains an icon of automotive history. From its powerful supercharged engine to its breathtakingly elegant design, particularly when viewed from the rear, it embodies the pinnacle of 1930s automotive achievement. It is a car that continues to captivate and inspire, a true legend on wheels.
