B Roll

From the July / August 2010 issue of The Car Room Magazine

The 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet B was an enlarged version of the Type A, with added rear seating and a host of minor detail and design differences. Massive in size, this car was no slouch. “K” meant “Kompressor”, indicating the Rootes-blown 5.4 liter straight eight engine, mated to either a 4-speed manual or optional 5-speed transmission.

Special Delivery

Mercedes produced a scant number of these cars in both 500K, and the later 540K, variations. The production of the 540K ran from 1936 to 1938 or ’39, and only about twenty six were built. These massive two seat roadsters were, and still are, the epitome of elegance and extravagance.

This 1938 Mercedes 540K is actually a re-release by IXO of the very first classic car model from their “Museum Series” range. I’m so glad they reproduced this; I was one of those who sat on the fence too long when this was first issued, and by the time I finally decided to pull the trigger, I was not able to find one for sale.