Page 25 - Experience Magazine Winter 2023
P. 25
The 1930s produced some of the 1936 and remained in production
most beautiful automobiles ever until 1940. Mercedes-Benz built
created. Many such cars featured only 419 in total, while the
state-of-the-art, competition- manufacturing record further
inspired chassis, powerful reveals its exclusive nature: 97
engines, and stylish and luxurious were produced in 1936, 145
coachwork. Among the most in 1937, 95 in 1938 and 69 in
significant models produced by 1939, before the war ended series
Mercedes-Benz during this era was production. The low-production
the Mercedes-Benz 500K and its numbers and the style of these big,
successor, the 540K, representing supercharged Mercedes-Benzes
one of the pinnacles of Mercedes- have made them among the most
Benz’ prewar achievements. sought-after collector vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz built some of the The 540K was one of the first
grandest cars of the Golden Age. models developed under Max
All Full-Classic examples of the Sailer, Mercedes' then chief
marque have a certain gravitas, engineer and ex-racing driver.
an innate presence that sets them Sailer was the successor to Hans
apart from other automobiles. Nibel, who had passed away at the
Following its public debut at the age of 54 in 1934. As Mercedes-
Paris Salon in October 1936, the Benz's flagship model, the 540K
Mercedes-Benz 540K was one featured the company's famous
of very few road cars capable of Roots-type supercharger system.
reaching 100 mph in the 1930s. Twin updraft carburetors fed the
The 540K went into production in 5.4-liter straight-8 engine, which
produced 115 horsepower. With
the supercharger, the power plant
was capable of generating 180
horsepower when it was engaged.
- - - One had to press the accelerator
FOLLOWING ITS PUBLIC DEBUT AT THE pedal to the floor to engage the
PARIS SALON IN OCTOBER 1936, THE supercharger, which would engage
MERCEDES-BENZ 540K WAS ONE OF VERY the compressor and close off the
FEW ROAD CARS CAPABLE OF REACHING alternative atmospheric intake to
the carburetor. This supercharger
100 MPH IN THE 1930S. system had been proven in the
- - - preceding S series of cars created
by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche that
had dominated racing during the
1920s. What further makes the
supercharger unique is that it was
intended only for short bursts
in a "push-to-pass" fashion. So,
this Mercedes supercharger blows
through the carburetor rather than
drawing from the carburetor.
From the engine, power is
transferred through a 4-speed
V OR THE COMPLETE DOCKET 25
