The Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster stands as an enduring icon of pre-war automotive excellence, a symphony of breathtaking design and engineering prowess. Among the pantheon of exquisite 540 Ks, the long-tail, high-door variant with a covered spare wheel represents the zenith of desirability. For discerning collectors and enthusiasts seeking the ultimate expression of this legendary model, an exceptionally rare opportunity has emerged: a Mercedes 540k For Sale with unparalleled provenance and originality.
This specific model embodies the most coveted configuration of the 540 K Special Roadster. The evolution of the Sindelfingen coachwork reached its artistic peak with the long-tail, high-door design. This iteration showcases sweeping, subtly skirted fenders that exude power and elegance. The set-back radiator and doors gracefully curving past a concealed top into an upturned tail create a visually flawless silhouette, a testament to 1930s automotive artistry.
The inclusion of a covered rear spare, seamlessly integrated beneath a flush decklid adorned with a delicate chrome-edged dorsal fin, elevates this design to its ultimate form. This subtle nod to French coachwork trends further distinguishes this particular style. Of the select few original examples boasting this highly sought-after configuration, only three are known to exist. The Mercedes 540k for sale presented here holds the distinction of being the sole example currently available, emerging from decades of dedicated, long-term ownership.
The King’s Special Roadster: A Legacy of Royal Ownership
This exceptional Mercedes 540k for sale boasts a history as distinguished as its design. Original factory documentation confirms that this car was commissioned in May 1937 for none other than the King of Afghanistan. Delivered to Kabul in September of the same year, this Special Roadster became part of the royal entourage of Mohammed Zahir Shah, the last monarch of Afghanistan. Ascending to the throne at a young age, King Zahir Shah oversaw a period of modernization in Afghanistan, including the development of modern roads, upon which this magnificent Mercedes could have gracefully traversed the burgeoning capital of Kabul.
Further solidifying its historical significance, records from later owner Vernon Jarvis detail the car’s journey through World War II. Evacuated to the Afghan Embassy in Paris at the war’s outbreak, the 540 K remained safely stored until 1948. Subsequently gifted to the King’s son-in-law, the car journeyed to England in 1950, where it was sparingly driven in London until 1952. In the summer of 1953, Chipstead Motors, Limited of London acquired the vehicle, paving the way for its transatlantic voyage to America.
“History on Wheels” at Silver Springs: A Collector’s Dream
Vernon D. Jarvis, a prominent Illinois businessman and pioneering collector of Full Classics, became the next custodian of this remarkable Mercedes 540k for sale. Jarvis, renowned for his discerning taste, amassed an enviable collection featuring Duesenberg, Delahaye, and Isotta Fraschini, among other automotive luminaries. His collection, including this 540 K, formed the centerpiece of the Carriage Cavalcade, later known as the Early American Museum, at the popular Florida tourist destination of Silver Springs.
For three decades, visitors to Silver Springs could marvel at “History on Wheels,” an extraordinary assembly of pre-war automobiles, including this very 540 K. Photographs from the era depict the car showcased within the museum’s halls and at a 1958 car show in Sebring, offering glimpses into its celebrated past.
In 1986, Robert Bahre, a visionary collector known for his astute appreciation of exceptional automobiles, acquired the 540 K. His pursuit of automotive perfection led him to purchase the entire contents of the Early American Museum, securing this prized Mercedes-Benz. Under Mr. Bahre’s ownership, the King’s Special Roadster gained further recognition, being featured in Beverly Rae Kimes’ seminal book, The Classic Car, in 1990. Shortly thereafter, the current owners acquired this automotive masterpiece, continuing its legacy of careful preservation.
Conserved Originality: A Testament to Time
This Mercedes 540k for sale stands apart due to its remarkable state of conservation. Having remained largely untouched for decades, it presents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a truly original pre-war classic. Remarkably, the car retains the two-tone maroon finish and interior appointments applied by Vernon Jarvis in 1953. While the odometer was reset during Jarvis’s ownership, it currently reads a mere 883 miles, indicating exceptionally low mileage for its age and consistent with its preserved state.
Beyond its cosmetic originality, this 540 K retains all its original mechanical components, factory Typenshield and Kommission tags, and even rolls on period-correct Dunlop tires, believed to be those fitted when it arrived from England. The body number stamped into the original floorboards further attests to its authenticity.
Offered with a collection of documents and photographs compiled by marque specialist Jonathan Sierakowski, this Mercedes 540k for sale represents an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire a truly exceptional and historically significant automobile. Having been cherished by only five private owners over seven decades and preserved in the very condition admired by visitors to Silver Springs, the King of Afghanistan Special Roadster is more than just a car; it is a piece of automotive history, a rolling work of art, and an ultimate classic. Its unique patina, originality, and captivating past converge to create an aura unlike any other, making it an unparalleled acquisition for the discerning collector.
