The Mercedes-Benz 540K, especially models produced in 1937, stands as a testament to the golden age of automotive engineering and design. Building upon the legacy of its predecessor, the 500K, the 540K elevated luxury and performance to unprecedented levels in the pre-war era, solidifying its place as the flagship model from Stuttgart during the 1930s. This magnificent vehicle wasn’t just a car; it was a statement of opulence and a marvel of engineering, particularly those examples crafted in 1937.
The 540K inherited the advanced, independently suspended chassis from the 500K, but it was under the guidance of Mercedes-Benz’s new chief engineer, Max Sailer, that it truly came into its own. Sailer, a former racing driver who succeeded Hans Nibel, brought a performance-oriented approach to the development of the 540K. At the heart of this machine was a potent 5.4-litre supercharged straight-eight engine. This engine featured Mercedes-Benz’s renowned Roots-type supercharger system, a technology refined through years of experience with the S-Type cars conceived by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche. This system, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering, engaged the supercharger with a full press of the accelerator, simultaneously unleashing exhilarating power and closing off the standard air intake. For the 1937 Mercedes 540K, this system was crucial in defining its character as a high-performance luxury vehicle.
Unveiled at the Paris Salon in October 1936, the 540K boasted impressive figures. In its naturally aspirated state, the engine produced 115PS, but with the supercharger engaged, this figure surged to a formidable 180PS (178bhp). Unlike its 500K predecessor which used an overdrive top gear, the 1937 Mercedes 540K featured a four-speed gearbox with a direct top gear, optimized for performance. When the supercharger was activated, the straight-eight engine propelled the car to speeds approaching 110mph (177km/h), a remarkable feat for the era, made even more impressive by the inclusion of servo-assisted hydraulic brakes to ensure confident stopping power. The sheer performance of the supercharged Mercedes in the 1930s was so notable that Mercedes-Benz UK employed racing driver Goffredo ‘Freddy’ Zehender as a technical advisor and demonstration driver, highlighting its status as one of the few genuine 100mph road cars available at the time. For those seeking top-tier performance in 1937, the Mercedes 540K was a prime choice.
Contemporary road tests further cemented the 540K’s reputation. Britain’s Motor magazine put the 540K through its paces and reported improvements over the 500K, noting lighter steering and handling, alongside an even more comfortable ride. This enhanced comfort was achieved despite retaining the all-round independent suspension system, featuring parallel links and coil springs at the front and swing axles at the rear. The Motor‘s testers recorded a top speed of 102mph over a quarter-mile with the supercharger engaged and 85mph without, praising the servo-assisted brakes, the relatively quiet operation of the supercharger, and the improved springing compared to the 500K. Steering and handling were also deemed superior. These accolades were particularly relevant for models like the 1937 Mercedes 540K, showcasing the ongoing refinement of the model.
In May 1938, Motor‘s rival, Autocar magazine, also tested the 540K, achieving an even higher maximum speed of 104.65mph (168.5km/h) at Brooklands race circuit with three passengers onboard. This was the highest speed recorded for any road-test car up to that point. The Autocar test driver, H S Linfield, vividly described the experience: “One’s foot goes hard down, and an almost demonical howl comes in. The rev counter and speedometer needles leap round their dials: there is perhaps no other car noise in the world so distinctive as that produced by the Mercedes supercharger.” This iconic supercharger whine became synonymous with the power and prestige of the Mercedes-Benz 540K, especially those built around 1937.
While the 540K saw revisions towards the end of 1938, including oval-section chassis tubes and sodium-cooled valves borrowed from Mercedes-Benz’s racing program, the production figures underscore its exclusivity throughout its run, including the 1937 production year. In 1936, 97 units were produced, followed by 145 in 1937, then 95 in 1938, and 69 in 1939, with a few more trickling out until July 1942 as war curtailed production. The 1937 Mercedes 540K represents a significant portion of the total production, highlighting its importance in the model’s history.
The rarity, striking style, and exhilarating performance of these supercharged Mercedes-Benz vehicles have propelled them to become some of the most coveted classic cars in the world. When these magnificent machines appear on the open market, they command significant attention and value from collectors. The example mentioned, commission number ‘247491’, delivered in July 1937 to Brussels for a Baron de Montpellier, exemplifies the bespoke nature of these cars. Its “two-door sedan” body style, resembling a coupé, was one of the rarer configurations, with only 28 such bodies believed to have been crafted by Mercedes-Benz’s in-house coachbuilder, Sindelfingen. The 1937 Mercedes 540K with this unique body style is an even more exceptional find.
The described 540K, presented in dark midnight blue with a dark sandy beige cloth interior, showcases a restoration of notable age. Its dashboard is replete with instruments, and features like twin side-mounted spare wheels, Bosch headlamps, a center spotlight, air horns, and side exit exhausts further enhance its classic appeal. The supercharger remains in place under the bonnet, a testament to its performance heritage. Offering four-seater accommodation combined with breathtaking performance, a 1937 Mercedes 540K like this represents the pinnacle of automotive luxury and engineering from the late 1930s, a true embodiment of classic German automotive excellence.
