Vehicle Description
The 1930s were a tumultuous time for many of the world's premier
automakers. Even as an economic depression swept over much of the
global economy, Packard, Cadillac, Rolls-Royce, Duesenberg, and
many others continued rolling out increasingly glamorous,
sophisticated, and costly automobiles. Mercedes-Benz carried the
pride of Germany with their magnificent eight-cylinder supercharged
models, starting with the 380 of 1933. Nearly as soon as the 380
hit the market, engineers in Stuttgart set about developing a
replacement, as they felt the 3.8-liter engine was not up to the
performance standard they were after. They swiftly introduced the
mighty 5-liter, 160-horsepower 500 K. The ultimate evolution of the
series arrived in late 1936 with the 180-horsepower, 5.4-liter 540
K. The 500 K and 540 K are among the most coveted of all 30's motor
cars, offering an abundance of breathtaking performance, exquisite
quality, and impeccable style. Customer demand for Mercedes'
flagship was sufficient to warrant 342 500 K chassis and another
419 540 Ks. While a handful of outside coachbuilders had a go at
the Mercedes chassis, the vast majority of these cars were bodied
at the Mercedes-owned Sindelfingen body works, a facility renowned
for impeccable build quality and excellence in design.
Sindelfingen's catalogue offered a variety of body styles to suit a
demanding and sophisticated clientele, and the experienced
coachbuilder readily accommodated personal requests, ensuring
exclusivity for their customers. Chassis 189391 is a desirable
third-series car, fitted from new with Sindelfingen's elegant and
desirable Cabriolet A coachwork, originally delivered without
side-mounted spares. According to the Daimler-Benz Kommission
sheet, the order for this car came via the British Mercedes-Benz
distributor in London. The original owner, Mr. Manson, appears to
have taken delivery in Paris, though the car was registered in the
UK as FLC 217, and it mercifully remained in England for the
duration of the war, undoubtedly ensuring its survival. In 1951,
the great British actor, writer, filmmaker, and raconteur Sir Peter
Ustinov acquired 189391. Ustinov was an enthusiastic and discerning
petrolhead, having owned many significant sporting automobiles
throughout his career, including a Mercedes S36/220, a Hispano
Suiza, and numerous post-war Astons, Lagondas, and Maseratis. Sir
Peter kept this 540 K for only a short period, selling it in 1953,
likely via the dealer Simmons of Mayfair, which advertised the car
around this time in Motor Sport magazine. In July 1953, the 540 K
came stateside via pioneering American collector Ralph Buckley of
Absecon, New Jersey. Buckley was well known in the hobby as an
expert on Mercer T-Head automobiles and was a friend of seminal
motoring book author Ralph Stein. From Mr. Buckley, 189391 went to
John R. Bond, beloved Road & Track magazine publisher and a
prominent character in the American motoring press. John was a
sharp-witted writer, and together with his business-savvy wife
Elaine, the Bonds maintained a carefully selected collection of
cars in their California home. In 1977, John Bond met Jim Wilson of
Hermosa Beach, California, who, upon seeing the 540 K for the first
time at Bond's house, was instantly smitten. He soon arranged to
buy it and later recalled it was a complete, highly original car
showing no signs of a restoration aside from an earlier repaint. In
Mr. Wilson's care, the 540 K was treated to a comprehensive nut and
bolt mechanical and cosmetic restoration to show-quality standards.
After five years, the Wilsons exhibited the freshly restored 540 K
at the 1983 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, taking a
well-deserved 3rd in class. After a few years, the Wilsons sold the
540 K to Manfredo Lippmann of Guatemala, an avid collector of
supercharged pre-war Mercedes-Benz automobiles. It eventually came
to join a US-based collection, where it was displayed alongside
several other significant Mercedes and classic-era cars. As offered
today, 189391 is well-presented with a preserved restoration and
pleasing overall character. Finished in a lovely shade of claret
and accented with chrome wire wheels and a recently restored black
canvas top, the restoration remains appealing and attractive, with
a light patina. During its life, someone modified the original
skirted front fenders to accommodate dual side-mounted spare
wheels. The rounded tail gives the car a decidedly sporting
appearance, befitting the powerful 5.4-liter supercharged eight
under the long bonnet. Marque experts have noted that 189391
retains original details, such as the body number suffix "205"
stamped into the bonnet hinge, and have stated that the chassis and
engine number stampings are original and correspond with production
records. It would undoubtedly make a most enjoyable and exciting
540 K to drive and enjoy following some servicing. The 540K stands
shoulder-to-shoulder with the most coveted collectible automobiles
in the world, and no prestigious collection is complete without a
supercharged pre-war Mercedes-Benz. After many years in a private
collection, this lovely example is now ready for a new custodian to
carry on its fascinating legacy. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7375-1938-mercedes-benz-540-k-cabriolet-a/
