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28 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE WINTER 2024of that era. The example on offer in Scottsdale, Chassis No. 154080 – one of the exclusive 70 – has a unique distinction: It is one of less than 10 graced with custom coachwork by a U.K. coachbuilder.The original owner of Chassis No. 154080 commissioned the Mayfair Carriage Company in London to craft its body. Specifically ordered with a set-back radiator designed for open cars and factory roadsters, this variant, known as \Motor\featured a distinctive modification. The radiator and entire drivetrain were set back by 185 millimeters (just over 7 inches), visible externally by the relative position of the radiator over the front axle. This alteration imparted a unique flair, lending the car a more aggressive front end and an overall longer, lower appearance.According to Mercedes-Benz chassis records, Chassis No. 154080 was dispatched to Paris, France, on October 7, 1936, a rather unconventional journey for a righthand-drive chassis destined for English bodywork. As documented by Williams’ Blackhawk Collection, speculation surrounds the car’s purpose, ranging from an order by a British expatriate to an original commission for an Indian maharajah. The limited details fuel intrigue, enhancing the exotic allure enveloping the car.The Mayfair coachwork on the 540K is truly exquisite, featuring a folding windshield, sleek lines, fender skirts and polished louvers that embody the \motion\lighter than the conventional closed bodies usually found on these chassis, the Mayfair design enhances the vibrant performance of the inline 8-cylinder engine, equipped with a driver-activated and gear-driven Rootstype supercharger delivering 180 horsepower. The engine is fed by twin updraft pressurized carburetors and is paired with a 4-speed transmission featuring synchromesh in third and a dog clutch in fourth. The suspension includes independent wishbone coil front suspension, independent swing-arm rear suspension, and four-wheel servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes, all riding on an impressive 128-inch wheelbase.The car's journey through time adds layers to its narrative. At the end of World War II, the car was in London before being purchased by Peter Hessler of Quebec, Canada, 28 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE WINTER 2024- - - THE MAYFAIR COACHWORK ON THE 540K IS TRULY EXQUISITE, FEATURING A FOLDING WINDSHIELD, SLEEK LINES, FENDER SKIRTS AND POLISHED LOUVERS THAT EMBODY THE \DESIGN FROM THAT ERA.- - -