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540 K Spezial Roadster
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  Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster      

  Article Image gallery (133) Chassis (9) 408383 Specifications  
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Country of origin:Germany
Produced from:1937 - 1939
Numbers built:26
Internal name:W29
Designed by:Hermann Ahrens for Mercedes-Benz
Predecessor:Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:January 08, 2016
Download: All images
Chassis: 408383
One of the very last Spezial Roadsters, this example was built to the special order of the Horn brothers, who owned an exclusive boutique in Berlin. It is slightly unusual in that it does not have the V-shaped windshield usually associated with the Spezial Roadster and as a late 540 K also boasts a five-speed gearbox. It is believed that Rolf Horn worked closely with the Mercedes-Benz Sonderwagen department to create many of the features that are unique to this car.

Shortly after the car was delivered, the War broke out and the Spezial Roadster was carefully hidden away. After the War, chassis 408383 was shipped to Russia, where it was re-discovered in 1967 by Alf Johansson. He acquired the car but due to the complicated political situation at the time, he still had to struggled to get it cleared by the Russia's customs department. In the end he simply drove the car across the border pretending to be a tourist. By the late 1970s, the ex-Horn brothers Mercedes-Benz was in American ownership and soon after joined the impressive Lyon Family Collection.

The car was sold in 2011 and was subsequently restored by specialist Jim Friswold. Chassis 408383 was then shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was awarded second in class. Since then, it has been shown at a variety of events before the matching number was consigned to the RM Sotheby's Arizona auction.


Chassis details
Manufactured in 1939
Engine number 408383
First owner Horn Brothers
Appearances
Most recent auction(s)

2017 Scottsdale Auctions 2017 Scottsdale Auctions Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster
Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster
Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster
Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster 2013 Monterey Auctions 2013 Monterey Auctions
2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

  Article Image gallery (133) Chassis (9) 408383 Specifications