PreWar Mercedes Benz

[Steve_Mack_CT]

The junkyard cars look like parts cars, not barn finds - but it is what is in the buildings, I am sure that is what is generating the buzz. That's a lot of "Pagoda" style Benzies in that yard for sure...

[Skip Jordan]

Anyone who wants to know more about the Caracciola 500K should run quickly to the newsstand/bookstore to get the February issue of Town & Country, before it goes away (I got the last copy at my Books-A-Million today; Ali MacGraw on the cover). It contains the most complete history of this car that we're likely to see in our lifetimes (due to the eccentric nature of the brothers who own the Porche [sic] salvage yard in South Central L.A. - sons of the last owner - where it lies on flattened tires under layers of dirt, and is unlikely to see the light of day again). The article has far more detail than any of the summaries available online.

Does anyone know Tom Hanson (son of Dale Hanson, who restored it to the state shown above in 1965), or Mike Kunz of Mercedes Classic Center? I need to find someone who knows what the dashboard is like --leather or wood, and what kind of wood? They're among the few people who have seen the car since it was garaged in 1980.

[alsancle]

Skip, are you building a model or a replica?

[alsancle]

A rather nice Nurberg 500 for sale on eBay. The Nurberg 500 should not be confused with the 500k as it was a flathead 8 with no blower. However, it was a premium car. Mercedes-Benz : Mercedes Mercedes-Benz : Mercedes | eBay

[Skip Jordan]

Skip, are you building a model or a replica?

A scale model (the Jo-Han version I posted above), which I want to add to my collection of vintage Mercedes memorabilia and archive material.

[alsancle]

For anybody keeping track of these things here is a 37 540k Cab "B" that sold at Retromobile last week for approx 645k. Looks to be an older restoration. I couldn't find a catalog description. Take note of the earlier of the two Cab "B" body styles. I prefer the humpback (later style), but there are many that like this one.

[Skip Jordan]

This may be the last picture of the Caracciola 500K before it disappeared into Klein's storage. Supposedly, that's Rudi Klein on the far right.

[alsancle]

I just read the article. Sounds like the 500K is not the only crazy car they are hiding. I always wondered what happened to that Horch that Cary Grant was pictured sitting in.

[Skip Jordan]

Rock Hudson, not Cary Grant. Supposedly, that Horch had belonged to Eva Braun. Here are other cars that are said to be in the Klein stash, including at least 6 Miuras...

[A. Ballard 35R]

Do any of you MB experts know where this gorgeous 1928 S with a Saoutchik body is today?

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Here is an example of an earlier car that I do not believe has been covered:

Help required for a 1930 Mercedes Benz Stuttgart 260SS - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

Usually "vintage" in this forum means postwar through the early 70s, but this unusual MB had some interesting history so I thought I would share.

[CBoz]

Thought you all might find this interesting. My friend is in the middle of a restoration of a '37 540K cabriolet. Here's a pic of them removing the body from the frame.

I don't know about the rest of you, but while a restored car is a beautiful thing, there's just something about one in process that makes you want to roll up your sleeves and dive in. I've got two restored non-classics under my belt, but I'm starting to get the "itch" for something...

[alsancle]

Given the rear hinged doors I would say Cab "A". Wow, not very many of those that have not been restored yet. Any more pictures?

The restoration process looks great when someone else is paying for it

[CBoz]

Here's a couple more. The top may be original (but obviously due for replacement). My friend is looking for copies of body and shop manuals that would help with the restoration. If you have or know of a good source, let me know!

[alsancle]

The first version of the 540k Cab A is my favorite. I'm having trouble placing this particular car in my mind. There are very few unrestored Cab A's left. Do you know any of the history. Perhaps a photo before the restoration started .

I assume you friend is in contact with Jim Friswold in Tigard Oregon 1-503-639-1158. He should have reproductions of the owners manual and parts list with are the only manuals available for the 540k.

[CBoz]

Hey -- I'm not sure who the owner is, but from what I understand the car was purchased in its current state several decades ago, and the restoration is finally getting started, so it's been out of commission for probably 40+ years. From what little I know, I don't think the front fenders are the original style. Sorry I can't provide more details.

[alsancle]

The black fender is correct for a 36 cab A. The primer fender is a special roadster wing and unless a special order car probably not correct.

[alsancle]

Cecil, if you could keep us posted with restoration pics it would be most appreciated!

[CBoz]

Will do! The pic with the fenders on was taken before I saw the car; I hadn't noticed the difference, but you are right.

[CBoz]

Some recent pics of the '37 Cabriolet restoration. The engine and tranny will need a thorough going through. My friend also tells me about 20% of the wood will have to be replaced. And as you can see, the wiring cluster will need a *little* work

[alsancle]

Cool! Looks like a nice solid car.

[alsancle]

The black dash is interesting. Almost all were mother of pearl. Please keep us posted with the progress. A 540K restoration is a three year project with full time workers.

[Jbann]

To slightly go off the 500/540K discussion,

Would anyone have more information on this stunning pre-war Mercedes that is currently down at D.L. George Coachworks?

[West Peterson]

I wouldn't mind working for David!

[540K]

I need to choose a MB engine & drivetrain to power a 1936 540K special roadster. This is not a "Heritage" or other fiberglas kit car; it is a true 540K built by some of the premier restoration experts for the original cars. It will be a 540K in every respect except engine, transmission and suspension. Of course the original was a supercharged straight 8. I'm thinking about an M103 from a 1989 300SE. What would you put in this car and why? Thanks for any input. I think the two basic arguments are: (1) something that looks relatively period (straight six), and (2) something that would cause car guys to exclaim, "Hey, nice engine."