Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Premium Coupe
Production years: 1937
In October 1936, Mercedes-Benz launched the 540K at the Paris Motor Show. It was an important upgrade over the 500 K Series, which was already on sale since 1934.
The performance-oriented customers considered the Mercedes-Benz 380 underpowered in certain circumstances and, in 1934, the German car-maker decided to introduce a newly developed chassis: the 500 K. It was offered in various bodyworks, including a bare-bone chassis to be completed by various custom body makers such as Spohn. But for the Sport-Limousine vehicles, the customers had to wait until 1936 when their wait was rewarded with the new, top-of-the-line, 540 K Sport Limousine “Spezial”.
It was more of a coupe vehicle, based on the regular chassis of the W29 model range. The inline-eight supercharged engine imposed a long hood with side exhausts. The short greenhouse was continued with the sloped rear end, in a streamlined fashion. Also, to enhance the aerodynamic, the rear wheels were covered with removable panels that could have been removed to change the wheels when needed.
Inside, there was room for two passengers. The flat seats were covered in leather, adding a touch of luxury to the expensive vehicle. The instrument panel was placed in the middle of the dashboard, with five round dials in chromed rings.
The engine was a 5.4-liter unit, which was obtained after an increase in bore and stroke of the 500 K engine. With the help of a Roots supercharger, the car was able to achieve high speeds, especially on the German highways, known as Autobahn.
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, 5 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: | 200.8 in (5100 mm) |
Width: | 74 in (1880 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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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 |