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1939 Mercedes-Benz 450 K Spezial Roadster Up for Auction

The forthcoming sale at Monterey is getting closer as we speak, so RM Auctions brings more and more interesting lots to our attention. Take, for example, this 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K with one-off ‘Spezial’ coachwork, which is set to fetch between $3,500,000-$4,500,000.

Of the 419 examples built during the 540 K’s production life from 1936-1939, the most dominant were the Spezial Roadsters designed and executed to the highest standards in Mercedes-Benz’s own karosserie in Sindelfingen. Only 25 540 K Spezial Roadsters were built.

This example, offered for sale at Monterey, had the five-speed transmission with overdrive fifth speed which Mercedes-Benz introduced in 1939.
It is believed that Rolf Horn, one of the brothers, had a major influence on its conception and design, which boasts teardrop fenders, no running boards, hidden spares and tapered rear deck.

In preparation for its offering at auction in Monterey, it was inspected personally in California by two veteran experts from Mercedes-Benz Classic German, who concluded in their expert opinion that this car is a matching-numbers example.

Finished in its correct original color of black, the engine is original to the chassis and retains the original number plate. All in all, the car is composed of very original components, the way it left the factory.

“Unique” is an overworked and sometimes inappropriately applied adjective, but it is very appropriate when applied to this singular, beautiful Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster,” RM Auctions further emphasizes on how special this car is.
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