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16/01/2026 7:54 pm
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet
As production of the 500 K came to an end during 1936, it was succeeded by the latest and greatest Mercedes-Benz model, the 540 K—which, as the name suggested, sported an enlarged 5.4-liter engine. With this new supercharged engine, the eight-cylinder Mercedes-Benz was swifter than ever, offering 180 brake horsepower with the blower engaged and the signature accompanying shrill banshee wail. It continued to be offered in various attractive body styles produced by the factory coachbuilding shops at Sindelfingen. Over the run of 540 K production, the sporting two-door cabriolet offerings would each be produced in three distinct series, each with their own special features matching evolving European styling trends.
This vehicle displayed at the Cobble Beach Concourse d’Elegance was built for the SwedishAmbassador as a one off by Norrmalm of Sweden. One of only 29 not built by Sindelfingen in Germany. I am not aware so far of a model of this particular 540K.
16/01/2026 8:57 pm
An incredibly impressive & unique automobile - right down to the custom enclosed wooden fire extinguisher sleeve.
16/01/2026 9:08 pm
What a great-looking beauty. Very nice !
16/01/2026 11:39 pm
Maybe it's the camera angle but the rear portion of the car is lacking style and substance. To me the rear just doesn't measure up to the rest of this car.
John Bono
North Jersey
17/01/2026 3:02 am
beautiful car, although yes John B has a point...rear is a bit stunted? My first diecast was FMs 1/24 500K in 1987.
17/01/2026 6:50 am
I love all these big 1930's K cars. Rich and handsome they were elegance personified. Agreed; the back end was all business - provide ample space for near anything and do NOT distract from the gorgeous wheels or whatever that mascot happens to be.
17/01/2026 10:58 am
Another in a long line of works of art. Thanks David.
24/01/2026 11:02 pm
My favorite of the MBz 500 series has to be the 1939-1940 580K. An extraordinary automobile.
