MERCEDES-BENZ 540K KABRIOLET View: fmm.co.za/dt_portfolio/mercedes-benz-540k-cabriolet/ In the 1930s, the supercharged MERCEDES-BENZ 500K’s imposing styling and unparalleled performance was perfect for exploiting Germany’s growing network of autobahns. In 1936 it gave way to the 540K with its 5,4-litre engine and a maximum power output of 134 kilowatts, enough to propel these majestic 2,3-ton cars to over 160 kilometres per hour. This four-seater Cabriolet first appeared at the 1936 Berlin Motor Show. In 1938 it was bought by the German government to be used as a wedding gift from Adolf Hitler to King Farouk I of Egypt. The car’s colour was changed to the king’s preferred dark shade of red, the interior and hood reupholstered in contrasting beige leather and a unique dashboard fitted. It was presented as “the most precise car manufactured in the world”. In 1996 the car underwent a five-year restoration and, remarkably, the specialists were able to retain 90 per cent of the original car.
Posted on: Mon, 05 May 2014 07:00:01 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015