The 1934 Berlin Auto Show witnessed the unveiling of a vehicle that would quickly become a legend – the Mercedes-Benz 500K. Conceived by the brilliant engineer Dr. Hans Nibel, this supercharged marvel was not merely a car; it was a statement of power, luxury, and cutting-edge engineering, setting new standards for automotive design in the pre-war era. Building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, the 380 of 1932, the 500K elevated performance and opulence to unprecedented levels, firmly establishing Mercedes-Benz as the pinnacle of automotive manufacturing. Its advanced features and breathtaking aesthetics made the 1934 Mercedes 500K an instant sensation, captivating enthusiasts and cementing its place in automotive history.
Revolutionary Engineering of the 1934 Mercedes 500K
What distinguished the 1934 Mercedes 500K from its contemporaries, including the earlier supercharged Mercedes models of the 1920s, was its groundbreaking chassis design. Dr. Hans Nibel integrated swing axles at the rear with a highly innovative independent front suspension system. This front suspension employed superimposed triangular wishbones and coil springs, a configuration that delivered exceptional ride quality and handling for its time. This advanced engineering allowed the 500K to harness its formidable power effectively, making it one of the few cars of the 1930s capable of reaching speeds of 100 mph on public roads. The commitment to innovation in the 1934 Mercedes 500K showcased Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to pushing technological boundaries and providing a driving experience that was both exhilarating and refined.
The Thrilling Performance of the Supercharged 500K
The heart of the 1934 Mercedes 500K was its powerful 5.4-liter eight-cylinder OHV engine, enhanced by a Roots supercharger. This supercharger was not constantly engaged but rather acted as a performance booster, a signature Mercedes feature of the era. When the driver fully depressed the accelerator, a gear train engaged the Roots blower, unleashing a surge of power – a 25% increase – accompanied by a distinctive and thrilling shriek. This system provided on-demand power for overtaking and hill climbing, transforming the car’s character instantly. Contemporary road tests lauded the 500K’s ride comfort and handling, emphasizing its ability to absorb road imperfections and maintain stability even at high speeds and during cornering. The supercharger system perfectly embodied the dual nature of the 1934 Mercedes 500K: a docile and luxurious tourer in normal driving, and a high-performance machine at the driver’s command.
According to H. S. Linfield, the Road Test editor of The Autocar, his experience driving a 500K was transformative. He noted, “Without the supercharger this is a quiet, docile carriage, the acceleration from low speeds being then quite mild. It will amble around town and along by-ways with scarcely a hint of its latent performance. Bring in the supercharger and it becomes another machine, with fierce acceleration.” Linfield summarized the 500K as “a master car for the very few; the sheer insolence of its great power affords an experience on its own”, highlighting the unique and exclusive nature of the 1934 Mercedes driving experience.
Exclusivity and Craftsmanship: The Rarity of the 500K
The production figures for the 1934 Mercedes 500K underscore its exclusivity. Initially, only 342 examples across all body styles were produced with the 5-liter engine. Later, with the introduction of the updated 5.4-liter engine, the total production reached 419 units, with a significant portion being the four-passenger Cabriolet B model. These numbers solidify the 1934 Mercedes 500K and its successors as some of the most exclusive and sought-after automobiles of their time, representing the zenith of automotive craftsmanship from a manufacturer renowned for its unparalleled quality.
While the chassis of the 500K and later 540K models attracted the attention of numerous bespoke coachbuilders, Mercedes-Benz’s own coachbuilding department in Sindelfingen was widely considered to be at the pinnacle of design and execution. Their in-house creations, particularly the Spezial Roadster, were deemed by many to surpass even the most prestigious independent coachwork. Only a mere 29 Spezial Roadsters were built on each of the 500K and 540K chassis, making them exceptionally rare and highly prized by collectors today.
The Pinnacle of Design: The 1934 Spezial Roadster
Even within the realm of high-end automobiles of the 1930s, the 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K Spezial Roadster stood out. Coachwork during this era was often a collaborative process between the manufacturer and the individual customer, allowing for a degree of personalization even within designated models. The offered Spezial Roadster exemplifies this bespoke approach, representing a unique interpretation of the Spezial Roadster theme. It showcases distinctive features like chrome accents along the wings, an extended “waterfall” grille, and chrome spare wheel covers, all contributing to its unique visual appeal. Originally finished in “Speedgray” with green accents, the color scheme further accentuated its striking design, making it a truly stunning vehicle when new. This level of customization and attention to detail epitomized the luxury and exclusivity associated with the 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K, particularly in its Spezial Roadster form.
A Storied Past: The Journey of a Unique 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K Spezial Roadster
The specific 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K Spezial Roadster highlighted in the original article boasts a fascinating history, adding to its allure and value. Once part of the esteemed collection of Howard Fafard, alongside other significant Mercedes-Benz models, this Spezial Roadster represents the pinnacle of his collecting passion. Its acquisition from a Bonhams auction at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Stuttgart was a notable event, with the proceeds benefiting charities in Sweden. Prior to Mr. Fafard, the car was owned by Ingemar Bengtsson, a Swedish collector deeply connected to the Mercedes-Benz community and friends with Jan Melin, the author of the definitive books on 8-cylinder Mercedes-Benz cars.
The discovery of this particular 1934 Mercedes 500K Spezial Roadster is a classic tale of automotive sleuthing. Alf Johansson and Birger J. Nillsen, embarking on a car-hunting expedition in Czechoslovakia in the 1970s, stumbled upon the dismantled car in Poland, guided by a serendipitous encounter at a garage in Poznan. Incredibly complete, the car was acquired and eventually made its way to Ingemar Bengtsson. Jan Melin’s research was instrumental in uncovering the car’s detailed history, confirming its unique specifications and early production status as the sixth 500K built. It was originally commissioned for Dr. Alfons Sack of Berlin, a prominent lawyer of the era, further connecting the car to a significant historical figure of 1934.
Further historical details emerged when Melin identified the car in a period newspaper photo, confirming its Berlin registration “IA 1555,” plates that were remarkably found with the car during its discovery. Correspondence between Dr. Sack and Mercedes-Benz revealed that the car was upgraded to a 540K engine in 1936, explaining the later engine and bonnet style found on the car. Despite the engine upgrade, the replacement engine retained the original engine number, preserving its lineage. The extensive documentation compiled by Jan Melin, including factory records and period photographs, further authenticates the car’s remarkable history.
The restoration undertaken by Bengtsson in the 1990s was a meticulous and sympathetic process, aimed at preserving the originality of the 1934 Mercedes 500K Spezial Roadster. Even remnants of original materials were retained to ensure accurate recreation. The restored car, while sparingly used, has been showcased at prestigious concours events, maintaining its excellent condition. Its future custodian has the option to further enhance its historical accuracy by returning it to its original “Speedgray” and green color scheme, aided by period photographs. Regardless of its presentation, this 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K Spezial Roadster remains a truly exceptional and historically significant automobile, a testament to the golden age of automotive design and engineering.
