Page 26 - Experience Magazine Winter 2023
P. 26
manual transmission to the rear which also followed the company's - - -
wheels, and the motorcar glides to a highly successful racing practice. FROM THE ENGINE, POWER IS
halt with vacuum-assisted hydraulic This design was inspired by the TRANSFERRED THROUGH A 4-SPEED
brakes at all four corners. Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows Grand MANUAL TRANSMISSION TO THE
After its 1936 appearance at the Prix cars. It also utilized a fully REAR WHEELS, AND THE MOTORCAR
Paris Salon, the Mercedes-Benz 540K independent setup that suspended
was reported by the U.K. magazine the stiff chassis with coil springs and GLIDES TO A HALT WITH VACUUM-
Autocar in May 1938 as having a camber compensator spring. The ASSISTED HYDRAULIC BRAKES AT ALL
conjured up "visions of breath-taking compensator spring worked to offset FOUR CORNERS.
exploits of racing cars and drivers the independent rear suspension - - -
of international fame, but also of swing axle's tendency to have sudden
superlative comfort and coachwork camber changes.
of exquisite beauty, fine paintwork, The Mercedes-Benz 540K was
brightly polished metal, the finest offered as a 4-seater coupe, 2- and
hardwoods and leather - massive and 4-seat Cabriolet, and even a 7-seater
yet outstandingly attractive bodies - limousine. This example, offered with
in short: the car for the connoisseur." No Reserve at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson
Late in its production, in 1938, Scottsdale Auction, started life with
the Mercedes-Benz 540K received a Cabriolet B-body configuration;
the girder-like frame lightened it was later partially updated to a
with oval-section chassis tubes highly desirable Cabriolet A-body
instead of channel frame members. configuration. It is important to note
The design also incorporated the that the car's chassis, driveline and
adoption of sodium-cooled valves, supercharger are original.
26 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE WINTER 2023
