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Topic starter
18/12/2024 2:22 pm
The Mercedes-Benz W-29/ 500 K, was first presented at the 24th International Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition in Berlin in February 1934, as the successor to the successful SS and SSK series. Its 180 hp successor, the 540 K was launched in 1936.
The Mercedes-Benz 500 K was available in three different chassis. The engine delivered 100 hp in naturally aspirated form and 160 hp with compressor. All four wheels had hydraulic brakes with the cars reaching a top speed of 160 km/h.
At 15,000 Reichsmarks, it was an expensive vehicle and only 342 of the 500 K model were produced in total. One such wealthy client being Freidrich von Siemens for whom Erdmann und Rossi produced the Stromlinie Spezial presented here. The high-vision coupe body numbered 2725, was rendered in metallic silver blue, and upholstered in a pale beige grey leather. It had curved plexiglass panels over the front windscreen, allowing for more light and greater visibility.
Apart from his active role in the family business, Carl Friedrich von Siemens was engaged in several organisations. In 1919 he financed the Anti-Bolshevik League and, ergo, the Freikorps.
Although he was chairman of the administrative board of the German State Railways (Deutsche Reichsbahn-Gesellschaft) from 1924 to 1934, von Siemens never held state office and had been a sitting member of the Reichstag for the Deutsche Demokratische Partei (German Democratic Party). therefore, noting the flagpole in the original photographs of his stately looking stromliner, it is easy to imagine the von seimans family crest flying on important occassions.
Carl Freidrich von Siemens died on 9 September 1941 in Heinendorf near Potsdam.
1/43 scale white metal by Tin Wizard 1935 Mercedes-Benz Erdmann und Rossi:
18/12/2024 2:25 pm
Excellent account and photos of a terrific automobile & model Charles. Thank you!!
18/12/2024 3:32 pm
Really nice automobile and replica ! An extremely interesting story behind both the man and the vehicle.
Topic starter
18/12/2024 4:16 pm
Thank you guys for your kind comments.
18/12/2024 6:30 pm
interesting story and great model, thanks Charles
18/12/2024 8:28 pm
Nice model Charles! Here's a similar one by Ixo in diecast, the 500K Autobahn-Kurier, Chassis 130898, from the 1934 Berlin Auto Show (or so I was told once).
Topic starter
18/12/2024 10:00 pm
@mg-harv Harv', this model came up on an excellent post Rich S. did in the 1/18 forum to which I added the following details that might be of interest to you should you have missed it earlier...
Mercedes-Benz built two of these models, the first was shown at the February 1934 Berlin Motor Show and whilst mounted on a 500K chassis - Nº130898 - in fact had a 540K engine. This was gifted to Mohammed Reza Shah of Iran by the German government.
The second car was built in 1938, some four years later, as a private commission for Spaniard, Ignacio Barraquer, (Mercedes-Benz order number 288557) and remained in the family until sold in 2004. After restoration it was presented at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. winning the Most Elegant Coupe and runner up for Best in Show. And going on to win the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este in 2008.
Ixo produced a 1/43 citing theirs as 1934