In an era when style was as important as functionality, the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K represented the pinnacle of pre-war European automotive excellence. Built in coupe, cabriolet and armored limousine models, the topless variants are among the most desirable.

The supercharged sports model was not only more powerful, but also more elegant, more comfortable, and easier to handle than its predecessors. These features particularly appealed to the growing number of lady drivers.

The roadsters, the two-seater cabriolet "A" (with two side windows) and the ultra-modern, streamlined Motorway Courier, the first car with curved side windows and classified by the manufacturer as a sports sedan, were set up on a chassis on which radiator, engine, cockpit and all rearward modules were moved 185 millimeters back from the front axle. This configuration created a particularly long front end and consequently produced the desired sporty silhouette.

The 540K was a special version of the 500K, with whom it shared its chassis configuration. It was significantly lightened by replacing the girder-like frame of the 500K with oval-section tubes — an influence of the Silver Arrows racing campaign.

The Sindelfingen factory employed 1,500 people to create the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K. This allowed for a great deal of owner customization. One of its proudest owners was Jack Warner of Warner Brothers film studio. Only 32 of these magnificent vehicles were ever built.

• Wheelbase, inches: 117.0
• Weight, lbs: 5,720
• Length, inches: 206.49
• Width, inches: 75
• Height, inches: 65
• Production: 32
• Base price: $10,780
• Current Value: $11.8 million

• Displacement: 5019 cc / 306.3 in³
• Fuel system: One Double Updraft Carburetor
• Engine: Straight-8 OHV
• Compression ratio: 5.20:1
• Horsepower @ rpm: 180 hp @ 3500 rpm
• Torque @ rpm: 318 @ 2200 rpm
• Transmission: 4 speed manual

• Top Speed, mph: 120 mph
• 0-60 mph, sec: 16.40 seconds