Lot 251: 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabriolet C

In the late 1920s and early 30s, Mercedes-Benz produced the immortal SS, SSK and SSKL series of sports racing cars, inspired by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche. They were giant Wagnerian cars, designed to be driven by supermen, but by 1933 it was decided to replace them with something a bit more tractable. This was the Type-380, the first to be fitted with all-round independent suspension; it was underpowered, and in 1934 was followed by the 500K. These cars were designed for high-speed touring rather than racing, but still had the Roots type supercharger as fitted to the earlier models; this ran at three times engine speed, and was engaged by a separate clutch actuated by extra pressure on the accelerator pedal at the end of its travel; it was noted for the high-pitched wail emitted when in use, and it was not meant for continuous action. Power of the 500K was around 100 b.h.p., increasing to 160 with the supercharger, and contemporary road-tests quoted a top speed of 102 m.p.h. and 0-50 m.p.h. in 11.2 seconds, despite an all-up weight of over two tons, a very impressive speed indeed for the time when other transport on the road was either non-existent or horse drawn! The 500K appeared at the time when the fabulous W125 Mercedes racing cars were making history in their battle against the Auto-Unions (again the work of Dr. Porsche) in international Grand Prix racing, and it was soon being avidly sought by members of the German ruling elite and the rich and famous, despite the fact that the economic climate of the day was not favourable to cars of this type - indeed, many makers of luxury cars did not survive the early 1930s. The appearance of the 500K was absolutely spectacular, the great majority being fitted with the handsome cabriolet bodies built by the factory-owned Sindelfingen coachworks.Originally sold new to Switzerland, this superb example, one of Germany's finest motor cars produced at a time when such luxury and opulence was reserved for the very few that could afford such a motor car. Exported to the United States in the 1960's, and returning to Europe in 1975, where it formed part of the well known Italian Venturi Collection until 1979. Owned for many years by the vendors, this imposing touring car is described has being in good mechanical condition with excellent black and maroon coach work and brown hide interior and complemented with a black hood.Zweifellos einer der bahnbrechenden Luxuswagen seiner Zeit, dieser imposante 500 K wurde ursprnglich an einen Schweizer Kunden ausgeliefert. In den 60er Jahren fand er dann seinen Weg in die USA um dann 1975 wieder nach Europa zurckzukehren, wo er bis 1979 in der berhmten Venturi-Sammlung in Rom stand. Seit vielen Jahren erfreut sich nun der jetztige Besitzer an dem 500 K Cabriolet C und der Wagen befindet sich nach seinen Angaben in einem guten mechanischen Zustand mit ebenso guter Karrosserie in der attraktiven Farbkombination von Schwarz mit Dunkelrot und einem braunen Lederinterieur.