1936 Mercedes 540K Replica: The Ultimate Red Carpet Saloon
Mercedes-Benz only made 419 examples of the 540K, but this fastidious replica is as close as it gets to the original.
Mercedes introduced the 540K to the world at the Paris Motor Show in 1936. The 540K used a lightened and strengthened version of the 500K chassis, and the 500K engine 5.0-liter inline 8-cylinder engine had been bored out to 5.4-liters. It also featured a supercharger that could either be turned on manually or came on automatically as the accelerator was pushed all the way to the floor. With the supercharger engaged, the engine went from producing 115 horsepower to a whopping 180 horses. Enter this finely-crafted replica we ran across on Hemmings.
Back in the 1930s and pre-war Germany, the 540K was a very exclusive car. Only 419 were made, and 70 of those went out through independent coachbuilders to be customized for their customers. 12 specially extended cars were built for high-level members of the Nazi government, who ultimately ended production by deciding to start World War 2.
That means examples of the 540K are both rare and incredibly expensive. If you want one, but don’t have spare millions in the bank and a lot of patience, then something like this replica is an excellent choice.
According to the advert, it was built in the 1980s by a California based master fabricator using a 1970s Ford Mustang frame for the base and the original Mercedes 540K templates for the detail. Under the hood, they’ve used a 300 horsepower 4.2-liter Ford 302 V8. It’s recently had a refresh that included the two-tone blue and ivory paintwork and has a new white hardtop.
Something we absolutely love about this particular 540K replica is that it has 89,000 miles on the clock. Not only has it been taken to shows and won trophies, but it’s a there to be driven.
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