The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster stands as an emblem of pre-war automotive magnificence, a fusion of groundbreaking engineering and breathtaking design. This particular model, chassis number 123741, exemplifies this era of opulence, having been meticulously reborn by the esteemed Mercedes expert, the late Franz Prahl. Originally delivered as a Cabriolet C, this 500K now boasts a stunning Special Roadster body, painstakingly reconstructed using original factory drawings, a testament to the enduring allure of Mercedes-Benz coachwork. With only approximately 400 miles covered since its comprehensive rebuild, this vehicle presents itself in essentially brand-new condition, ready to captivate discerning enthusiasts.
This Mercedes-Benz 500K is presented in a completely restored condition, a result of a meticulous process executed to the highest standards. Its performance is described as exceptional for a car of its vintage, running and driving with no apparent faults. Historical records suggest this chassis originated from the factory in November 1935 as a drophead coupe. The transformation to the Special Roadster body was undertaken during its restoration in Germany by Franz Prahl, a recognized authority on the marque. This rebodying process faithfully replicated the exclusive Special Roadster design that was available as a factory option in 1935, ensuring authenticity and historical accuracy.
Under the hood resides the heart of this classic, the original engine, bearing number 123741. This powerplant has been completely rebuilt and correctly tuned, adhering to the exact specifications as supplied in 1935. It is reported to be running and driving exceptionally well, delivering the performance expected of a meticulously restored example. The axles and running gear are original to the car, remaining unmodified and restored to the same high standards as the engine, ensuring the vehicle maintains its period-correct driving dynamics. The wheels and tires are also original type, presented in very good condition, further contributing to the vehicle’s authentic presentation.
The bodywork is a key highlight of this exceptional car. Newly crafted to original 1935 Special Roadster drawings, it is a faithful recreation of this iconic design. The body is finished in a flawless black paint, complemented by a newly fitted cream-colored hood and a cream Double Duck Tonneau cover, creating a striking and elegant aesthetic. The gearbox is the correct 1935 Mercedes 3-speed unit with reverse, completely appropriate for this vehicle and reported to be in perfect working order, ensuring an authentic driving experience.
The interior of this 500K has been fully re-trimmed in matching Cream leather to an exceptionally high standard, complemented by matching Cream carpets. The dashboard and instruments are correct and accurate for the period, all functioning correctly and presented in good restored condition, completing the luxurious and authentic feel of the cabin. Currently registered in Germany and officially listed as a 1935 model, this Mercedes-Benz 500K is in superb restored condition. All chrome elements have been renewed, and every component has been either restored or replaced to ensure this car looks and performs at the pinnacle of its class. The vehicle is accompanied by German paperwork.
Introduced to the public at the March 1934 Berlin Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz 500K, internally designated as W29, was the brainchild of Dr. Hans Nibel, the marque’s technical director. Nibel, a former racing driver and accomplished engineer, previously contributed to iconic models like the Blitzen Benz and the Mercedes-Benz S / SS / SSK / SSKL series in collaboration with Ferdinand Porsche. His unified design philosophy ensured that the 500K, Mercedes-Benz’s fastest road car of the time, shared surprising similarities with its Grand Prix racing counterpart, the W25 ‘Silver Arrow’. Both models utilized a low-slung box-section chassis, all-around coil-sprung independent suspension (double-wishbone front and swing-axle rear), high-efficiency hydraulic drum brakes, and supercharged straight-eight engines, albeit executed for vastly different purposes.
The 500K ushered in a new era of luxurious and remarkably fast touring automobiles, capable of sustained high-speed cruising. It was powered by a 5-liter OHV straight-eight engine, engineered for torque rather than outright horsepower. In naturally aspirated form, it produced a respectable 100bhp at 3,200rpm, but engaging the double-vane Roots-type supercharger elevated this to a more potent 160bhp. While official torque figures remain elusive, the later 540K model, with a slightly more powerful iteration of the engine, produced 180bhp and 318lbft of torque, suggesting the 500K’s torque figure was likely around 300lbft. The towering M24 straight-eight engine, fed by a double updraught carburetor, was paired with a robust three-speed manual gearbox. Contemporary road tests, such as those by Autocar magazine, lauded the 500K’s exceptional roadholding, handling, and 100mph top speed, describing it as “a master car for the very few.” They further praised its refinement, noting that “without the supercharger this is a quiet, docile carriage… Bring in the supercharger and it becomes another machine, with fierce acceleration.”
Benefitting from power assistance, the 500K’s large four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes offered considerable stopping power, a crucial feature given its performance capabilities, far exceeding most contemporary road cars. The incorporation of transverse-mounted coil springs at the base of the rear swing-axle assembly further enhanced stability. Constructed at Mercedes-Benz’s Unterturkheim plant, renowned for its research and development facilities, the 500K was built to exceptionally high standards. Customers could choose from a wide array of open and closed body styles offered by the factory’s coachbuilding arm, Sindelfingen. Production of the 500K was limited to just two years, with estimates ranging between 342 and 354 units.
In September 1932, Hermann Ahrens joined Mercedes-Benz from Horch to lead the Sonderwagen (Special Vehicles) division. Ahrens, a prodigious talent at just twenty-eight years old, was tasked with imbuing Mercedes-Benz’s flagship models with a stylistic presence commensurate with their engineering excellence. Leveraging the two wheelbase lengths (Normal: 3290mm / Short: 2980mm) and three chassis types of the W29, Ahrens conceived a series of designs so captivating that less than ten percent of buyers opted for coachwork from other firms than Sindelfingen.
According to factory commission book extracts, the order for chassis number 123741 was placed on November 1st, 1935. Interestingly, additional documentation suggests that the car’s first owner was Lt. Colonel Stancomb, registered in London as ‘HXM 325’ with ‘Special Roadster’ coachwork. Another 500K, chassis number 123737, was delivered to the Marquis de Portago. By 1938, chassis 123741 was in America, owned by Mark Stevens of Scotia, New York. Later, it passed to Robert Saunders of Concord, Massachusetts. In 1971, its engine was overhauled by renowned restorer M.L. Bud Cohn in California. Despite subsequent refurbishment attempts by Mr. Saunders, chassis 123741 was in a complete but worn state before entering the previous owner’s collection. This set the stage for its comprehensive restoration and rebodying by Mercedes-Benz specialist Franz Prahl, resulting in the magnificent machine presented today, a testament to the enduring appeal of the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster and the accuracy achievable through reliance on original factory drawings.
