PreWar Mercedes Benz

[Davlet]

I might be able to find them Will ask from Lithuanian guy.

Henry That guy told you A lot of thanks for Hard top 

Will try to find some photos what it look like now too.

Thanks

Dav

 

Thanks Henry. I should have noticed the missing landau bars.   Do you think this is the Lithuanian car?   If so they should definitely post some pictures of it in the its unrestored state.

[alsancle]

Here is the "Eva Braun" Cab A that has been restored back to its original configuration not to long ago.  I'm not sure Eva even had her drivers license.

[Davlet]

I got this photos of eva braun,s car

home few more if anyone can post them

[Davlet]

One more Mercedes-Benzfor sale

http://m.ebay.com/itm/like/221882732424?item=221882732424&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466&rmvSB=true&ul_ref=http%253Arover.ebay.comrover1711-53200-19255-01%253Fff32%2526toolid10039%2526campid5335991718%2526customidStore%2526item221882732424%2526vectorid229466%2526lgeo1%2526srcrot711-53200-19255-0%2526rvr_id900462031720&rmvSB=true&ul_ref=http%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F711-53200-19255-0%2F1%3Fff3%3D2%26toolid%3D10039%26campid%3D5335991718%26customid%3DStore%26item%3D221882732424%26vectorid%3D229466%26lgeo%3D1%26srcrot%3D711-53200-19255-0%26rvr_id%3D900462031720&_mwBanner=1

[Davlet]

On more reboded.

[alsancle]

Another rare 320N.  This time really a Cab A.  I wonder if this is the car from the Rolf Meyer collection?

 

http://www.coys.co.uk/auction.php?itemID=6602&auctionID=58

 

Estimate: Refer Department
Registration Number: EU Registered
Chassis Number: 420976

The 320 models, introduced in 1937 on the completely new W142 chassis, were the most expensive models available in the Mercedes-Benz catalogue. Only the opulent 500 K and 540 K variants, available to special order, were more costly. The very existence of the 320 was a tribute to how far Mercedes-Benz development had come in the decade since German financiers had forced the merger of Daimler and Benz to survive the economic chaos after World War I.

With the support of the new government, the combined company had completely recovered and was not only winning in motorsports but was also producing a complete line-up of models. There was a Mercedes-Benz at every price point in the German marketplace, from the rear-engined 170 H and straightforward 170 V sedans to the glorious 540 K Special Roadsters, and examples were seen in the most fashionable venues of Europe and America.

The W142 320 could be purchased with standard and short wheelbases and in a variety of body styles, from practical sedan to sporty cabriolet. With war once again on the horizon, the W142 was even being produced in military trim. Four cabriolet versions were available, including two-door two-seat, two-door four-seat, four-door four-seat, and extended four-door four-seat versions, but these were produced only in very small numbers and only on special order for wealthy and influential customers.

Out of the only 10 cars produced by Mercedes-Benz, this 320n Cabriolet A is without doubt the rarest car in this auction and only 6 are known to exist today worldwide.

Chassis# 420976 still bears its 2-door works cabriolet body in red, a sumptuous tan leather interior, correct instrumentation and a contrasting black hood. The car is completely restored to the highest standard, a detailed photo - documentation of the restoration work accompanies the car showing the work done.

This ultra rare specimen is the most sought after within specialist circles, its body style was constructed with an eye on the legendary 540 K special roadster. Sold by a well known German classic car dealer over 20 years ago in an unrestored and original condition, the car underwent the aforementioned restoration within this period and is said to drive wonderfully.

This rare and seldom-seen Mercedes presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a fully restored example of this most desirable pre-war Mercedes-Benz soft-top.

Edited September 24, 2015 by alsancle (see edit history)

[MAXWEDGECHARLIE]

Am I mistaken or did I miss something? My impression has been that the Eva Braun car was assembled from bits and pieces and the story was nonsense.

[alsancle]

Charlie,  car was a real 540k Cab A that was modified and painted gold.  Story was nonsense.  Car has been restored back to stock configuration.

[Henry Magno]

I think the red 320 CA short may be a car my friend Shane Houlihan in Ireland restored. Thiesen had it for sale a while back. It since got whitewalls and extra spotlights.

[540K]

The Cab C that was for sale privately earlier this year for $1.3M is now being represented by Grundfor for $1.45M. He says it is one of only 6 Cab C's with a Cab  A roof line.

[alsancle]

This car was originally sold in England.  Was owned for a number of years by a friend of mine.  Here is a video I took of it which unfortunately is only one minute long before my phone died: 

 

I have to admit I have know idea what he means by a Cab A roofline on a Cab C.  Looks like a standard sloped deck 540k Cab C to me.

[540K]

I have to admit I have know idea what he means by a Cab A roofline on a Cab C.  Looks like a standard sloped deck 540k Cab C to me.

 

That's what I thought, but I don't know as much about cabriolets. I guess it's just a sales pitch. Modern power steering was added!?  I was told that the only acceptable power steering is Armstong, (if you get the joke).

Edited October 3, 2015 by 540K (see edit history)

[alsancle]

The power steering setup is reasonably discrete.   These are not necessarily easy cars to maneuver at very low speed so for an older owner that likes to drive their cars I understood the modification.

 

There were 3 540K Cab C's delivered new to England.  This is a factory photo of it when new.  Note the right side spot light in new & old photos.

Edited October 3, 2015 by alsancle (see edit history)

[540K]

Here is the explanation I got regarding the power steering:

         " I was told by the prior owner that he purchased the system through Mercedes Classic Center in Germany right after he purchased the car in the early 2000s. He told me the price at that time was approx. $15,000.00 US and that his own mechanics installed it.  The system consists of a electric hydraulic pump very similar to a power convertible top motor along with a modified steering gear box {exchange} and the hoses. The system is designed for intermittent operation only, you switch it on when when want to move the car in tight quarters at slow speeds. In normal driving the car steers fine but when parking or jockeying it around in a building it is very difficult to steer without the pump being turned on. With it on it is only about 1/3 the effort to steer in these situations, not as easy as a modern car but not particularly difficult.  The switch on the dash is a factory switch that matches several of the others. From  the engine bay the system can not be seen at all. We built a cover for the pump so it cannot be seen from underneath. The hoses coming across the front of the engine and entering the steering gear are the only things that can be seen under the car. The pump and hoses could be removed and the line fittings on the gear capped if desired to return the car to original. I met a German doctor in Monterey that is a long time owner of a 540k Cab B. He purchased and installed the same system in his car and said he considered it a excellent improvement."

        A lot of money unless you are going to drive it in rallys and on long tours. I haven't driven one of these cars yet, but I drove a '66 Chevy pickup with no power steering. I imagine that was a dream compared to these M-B's.

Edited October 7, 2015 by 540K (see edit history)

[Davlet]

Anyone going to hershey? I am trying to make a trip this week. If anyone need anything let me know. First time hope will like it:).

[alsancle]

Dav,  come over to CT-22 and say hi.  I have a nice carb for a 230 that I will sell you .

[Davlet]

I will 

Hey AJ if you will came acrose Marmon V16 please let me know 

Need one But not the one from RM Auction

 

Dav,  come over to CT-22 and say hi.  I have a nice carb for a 230 that I will sell you .

[540K]

Here is an interesting article on a Special Roadster photographed in 1939 in Bucharest. Can anyone contribute information about this car? The only particularly distinguishing aspects seem to be the badge attached to the right glove box door, and the fact that it is one of the few with single covered spare.

 

http://volganeagra.blogspot.com/2015/10/un-540k-special-roadster-la-bucuresti.html

Edited October 28, 2015 by 540K (see edit history)

[alsancle]

Here are a few pictures of the Bucharest 540k.

[Davlet]

Thought some one will like story.

Mercedes 540K Special Roadster 1937 (?)

In 1939, the young King — Zahir Shah turns 25 years old, and in the same year marks 10 years since the beginning of the new royal dynasty — in 1929, as I wrote above, comes to power his father Zahir Shah — Mohammed Nadir Shah. In this regard, countries have their own interests in Afghanistan, tend to pay their respects. Various gifts presented to the court of the British, the Germans, the Soviet Union, Italians and even Japanese. Unfortunately, the information is not accurate, and recheck nowhere, but how many know the Germans give the King Mercedes 540K Special Roadster. Some sources mention that the car registration in 1937, which may well turn out to be true — could give and Two, and nothing particularly wrong with that. Especially considering the fact that in 1939 the Germans were largely curtailed production of civilian cars, for obvious reasons. It is worth to note that export machine — RHD. According to legend, the machine is in a private collection in the United States, and how and when it got there — is unknown. However, if the information is correct, then we can assume that this is the only fully surviving car from the royal garage. Both photos taken by sensations in the 60s, maybe even in the upper 50s and lower no later than 70. Judging by the number of the car, apparently got out of Afghanistan to the United Kingdom, and from there to the United States

[Davlet]

Thought some one will like story.

Mercedes 540K Special Roadster 1937 (?)

In 1939, the young King — Zahir Shah turns 25 years old, and in the same year marks 10 years since the beginning of the new royal dynasty — in 1929, as I wrote above, comes to power his father Zahir Shah — Mohammed Nadir Shah. In this regard, countries have their own interests in Afghanistan, tend to pay their respects. Various gifts presented to the court of the British, the Germans, the Soviet Union, Italians and even Japanese. Unfortunately, the information is not accurate, and recheck nowhere, but how many know the Germans give the King Mercedes 540K Special Roadster. Some sources mention that the car registration in 1937, which may well turn out to be true — could give and Two, and nothing particularly wrong with that. Especially considering the fact that in 1939 the Germans were largely curtailed production of civilian cars, for obvious reasons. It is worth to note that export machine — RHD. According to legend, the machine is in a private collection in the United States, and how and when it got there — is unknown. However, if the information is correct, then we can assume that this is the only fully surviving car from the royal garage. Both photos taken by sensations in the 60s, maybe even in the upper 50s and lower no later than 70. Judging by the number of the car, apparently got out of Afghanistan to the United Kingdom, and from there to the United States

[Davlet]

https://www.drive.net/b/1313265/

[Davlet]

Photos

[Davlet]

Thought some one will like story.

Mercedes 540K Special Roadster 1937 (?)

In 1939, the young King — Zahir Shah turns 25 years old, and in the same year marks 10 years since the beginning of the new royal dynasty — in 1929, as I wrote above, comes to power his father Zahir Shah — Mohammed Nadir Shah. In this regard, countries have their own interests in Afghanistan, tend to pay their respects. Various gifts presented to the court of the British, the Germans, the Soviet Union, Italians and even Japanese. Unfortunately, the information is not accurate, and recheck nowhere, but how many know the Germans give the King Mercedes 540K Special Roadster. Some sources mention that the car registration in 1937, which may well turn out to be true — could give and Two, and nothing particularly wrong with that. Especially considering the fact that in 1939 the Germans were largely curtailed production of civilian cars, for obvious reasons. It is worth to note that export machine — RHD. According to legend, the machine is in a private collection in the United States, and how and when it got there — is unknown. However, if the information is correct, then we can assume that this is the only fully surviving car from the royal garage. Both photos taken by sensations in the 60s, maybe even in the upper 50s and lower no later than 70. Judging by the number of the car, apparently got out of Afghanistan to the United Kingdom, and from there to the United States

[alsancle]

Here is a interesting 290 Cab A that was a class winner at Pebble.  Worth following the link: http://www.timelyinvestments.com/mbz36/mbz36master2r.html

[edinmass]

It's amazing what some buffing compound and spray chrome can accomplish!

[alsancle]

Ed,  they did a really nice job.  Those are attractive cars.

[540K]

Is this a real 540K? The fender lights, fold-down windshield, stone guard on rear fender, strange front fender/apron and hood vents are very unusual for these cars. If it's real, who was the coachbuilder?

 

[alsancle]

Real as rain and yes a 540k.  I think it is a Sindelfingen body.  There is a whole article about this car in Automobile Quarterly which is where the poster you have is from.

[JonathanSierakowski]

Hi Craig,

 

This is 130900, actually by Erdmann & Rossi even though the badges you would typically see on the cowl sides are not present. It has many Sindelfingen influences, and is most definitely a very handsome one-off!

 

Jonathan

[alsancle]

Thanks Jonathan.  Is the car still in Conn?

[JonathanSierakowski]

Hi AJ,

Sadly no - one of the majority that have migrated back to Europe. Would be amazing to see it in person someday though.

Best,

J

[roadster36]

Ho can it be a classwinner without the original colors?

[alsancle]

I think as a general rule it helps to have the original colors, period photos, documentation, etc.  But you are not ruled out from an award as long as the car is painted in appropriate period colors that were available for that car.

 

I know there is a PB best of show car from not too far back where the sidemount spares were moved to the back.

[alsancle]

I know there is a PB best of show car from not too far back where the sidemount spares were moved to the back.

 

So the car I was thinking about was originally rear spares,  then sidemount then put back.    Consider the above statement retracted.

[540K]

I really like this Willy Pragher photo from the link posted a couple of weeks ago. I have done a lot of photo editing over the past 20 years, but this is my first attempt at digital colorization (low res sample). Not nearly as adept as Patty Allison at Imbued by Hues whose work is posted at TheOldMotor.com, but I'm pretty happy with my first go. I'll keep working on it. 

 

I wouldn't think a Spezial Roadster would have a chauffeur,  but the guy near the center almost looks like he's attending the car.

[roadster36]

nice work

[JonathanSierakowski]

Just announced today

 

http://www.rmsothebys.com/az16/arizona/lots/1937-mercedes-benz-540-k-special-roadster-by-sindelfingen/1078709

[alsancle]

Here is Jonathan sitting in the car.   I think I would just change the tires and leave the rest alone.

 

[West Peterson]

I'd have to change the color and eliminate the chrome wheels as well.