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 inMotor
Sportmagazine.
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, belovedRoad & Trackmagazine
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
