Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939
The German automaker introduced the Typ 540 K lineup in March 1934 at the International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin in a few shapes and sizes, including a few open-top versions, such as the Cabriolet B.
In the following month, in April, the automaker revealed the prices for the new lineup and started to get orders, but only in June it unveiled the prices for the supercharged version, named 540 K. Like most other vehicles built by it, Mercedes-Benz offered the new, W29 model, in a few shapes, including a few convertibles and roadsters. Since some of its clients needed more than two seats for their vehicles, the three-pointed-star brand offered a four-door convertible named Cabriolet B.
Like its Cabriolet A sibling, the B version also featured a pined-out radiator placed behind the front axle. Its large front fenders sported the chromed cross-beam that supported the headlights. The back of the car was extended so that it could accommodate a larger cabin fitted with a rear bench. Due to that, the trunk lid was more upright than on the Cabriolet A. Finally, in the rear, the carmaker placed the taillights on top of the rear fenders, and it looked like they were added there at the last moment.
Since Mercedes-Benz was already an established luxury carmaker, the interior boasted only expensive materials. Thus, the fine leather was mixed with real wood veneers. In addition, the polished metal from the steering wheel and the dashboard created a premium ambiance. At the front, the Cabriolet B offered a pair of wide seats, while in the back, there was a bench.
The chassis used was the long-wheelbase version, with front independent suspension and a rear swing axle with coil springs. Its 5.4-liter supercharged engine provided 180 hp when the supercharger was engaged. Mercedes-Benz paired the powerplant with a four-speed manual gearbox.
ENGINE SPECS - 540 Kompressor | |
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Cylinders: | L8 |
Displacement: | 5401 cm3 |
Power: | 132 KW @ 3400 RPM 180 HP @ 3400 RPM 177 BHP @ 3400 RPM |
Torque: | 318 lb-ft @ 2200 RPM 431 Nm @ 2200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 105 mph (169 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Manual, 4 Speed |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Drums |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 7.50-17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 211 in (5359 mm) |
Width: | 76 in (1930 mm) |
Height: | 65 in (1651 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.4/60.9 in (1,534/1,547 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 129.5 in (3289 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 5511 lbs (2500 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6283 lbs (2850 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 8.1 mpg US (29 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 691 g/km |