The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster stands as a beacon of automotive artistry and pre-war opulence. Among the numerous body styles crafted by Sindelfingen for the 540 K, the Special Roadster evolved into a design that captures the imagination of classic car enthusiasts worldwide. It is the “long-tail, high-door” iteration, particularly when coupled with the coveted covered spare wheel, that truly embodies the iconic status of this magnificent machine. This design, a harmonious blend of sweeping fenders, a commanding set-back radiator, and doors gracefully curving into an elongated, upturned tail, represents a pinnacle of 1930s automotive design, a visual symphony of power and elegance.
The most desirable configuration of the 540 K Special Roadster is undeniably the one featuring the concealed rear spare. This subtle yet significant detail, hidden beneath a seamless decklid adorned with a delicate, chrome-edged dorsal fin – a possible nod to contemporary French coachbuilding – elevates the car to an even greater level of sophistication. This covered-spare, long-tail, high-door design is not just a Special Roadster; it is the ultimate expression of Sindelfingen’s unparalleled craftsmanship and design prowess. Only a mere trio of original examples of this highly sought-after configuration are known to exist, making each one a true treasure. Remarkably, one of these exceptional vehicles, a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster, is exceptionally rare as it becomes available for acquisition from a long-term private collection.
This particular 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster boasts a history as captivating as its design. According to documented records, including a copy of the original Kommission paper, this vehicle was specifically commissioned for the King of Afghanistan in May 1937. Delivered to Kabul in September of the same year, this automotive masterpiece was destined for Mohammed Zahir Shah, the last monarch of Afghanistan. Ascending to the throne at the young age of 19, King Zahir Shah, despite his youth, embarked on a path of modernization for his nation. His reign saw Afghanistan foster diplomatic ties with global powers, establish national financial institutions and industries, and develop modern infrastructure, including roads that allowed the young king to traverse the burgeoning and increasingly modern capital city of Kabul in style.
Later in its storied journey, as noted by subsequent owner Vernon Jarvis in a collection accession form, the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster’s path took an intriguing turn. With the onset of World War II, the vehicle was strategically relocated to France, finding temporary refuge at the Afghan Embassy in Paris. It remained there until 1948, safely shielded from the ravages of war. Subsequently, the King gifted this exceptional automobile to his son-in-law, who then brought it to England in 1950. For a brief period, the car was occasionally driven in London until 1952. In the summer of 1953, a significant change of hands occurred when the Prince sold the 1937 Mercedes-Benz to Chipstead Motors, Limited in London. It was from Chipstead Motors that Mr. A.W. Giles, acting on behalf of Vernon D. Jarvis, acquired the car on December 22, 1953. The vehicle was then shipped from London to Jacksonville, Florida, aboard the Ocean Ranger, embarking on a new chapter in its transatlantic journey.
Vernon D. Jarvis, an accomplished businessman hailing from Illinois, was also a pioneering American collector of Full Classics. He amassed an enviable collection, featuring some of the most outstanding examples from marques like Duesenberg, Delahaye, Isotta Fraschini, and Cord, alongside this exceptional 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K. Jarvis showcased his remarkable automobiles, including this 540 K, as part of the Carriage Cavalcade, later known as the Early American Museum, at the popular Florida tourist destination of Silver Springs. This museum, which Jarvis created, also featured an impressive model circus, historically accurate storefront displays, and other intriguing artifacts from the past. For three decades, families visiting Silver Springs could experience a unique blend of attractions. Beyond the famous glass-bottom boat tours and Ross Allen’s Reptile Institute, visitors could immerse themselves in “History on Wheels,” viewing one of the most significant pre-war automobile collections ever assembled in the United States. This surreal juxtaposition was a quintessential element of mid-century American roadside culture. Archival photographs document the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K on display within the illuminated halls of this roadside museum, and also capture one of its rare excursions “outside” at a 1958 car show held in Sebring.
In 1986, Robert Bahre, renowned for his astute and forward-thinking connoisseurship of exceptional automobiles, including several significant Mercedes-Benz models, acquired the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K. Mr. Bahre was known for his decisive approach in acquiring precisely the automobiles he desired. In a testament to his dedication, he purchased the entire contents of the Early American Museum en masse, encompassing everything from Mrs. Jarvis’s doll collection to costumed mannequins, to secure its automotive treasures. During Mr. Bahre’s ownership, the King’s Special Roadster gained further recognition, being featured in Beverly Rae Kimes’ acclaimed book, The Classic Car, published in 1990. Shortly thereafter, as Mr. Bahre shifted his focus to the construction of his masterpiece, the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K was sold to its current owners.
Since becoming part of its current collection, the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K has been preserved in a state of remarkable originality, seldom seen publicly and, crucially, untouched by restoration. To this day, the car retains the two-tone maroon finish and the “new” floor mats, top cover, and leather seat upholstery that Vernon Jarvis documented applying in December 1953. Jarvis’s acquisition records indicate that the 540 K had accumulated 11,700 miles at the time of purchase, but the odometer was reset as part of the work performed. Today, the odometer displays a mere 883 miles, suggesting that this exceptional Special Roadster has yet to reach its 13,000th mile mark.
As expected for a vehicle maintained in such a manner, the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K remains largely undisturbed and original, save for the cosmetic finishes previously mentioned. It retains all of its original mechanical components, along with the factory Typenshield and Kommission tags. Remarkably, it even rolls on the period-correct Dunlop tires that were likely fitted when it left England, and still bears the body number stamped into the original floorboards. As one of the few significant pre-war automobiles surviving in such remarkable condition, its state of preservation is increasingly valued by connoisseurs today, and it is integral to its exceptional significance.
Offered with a curated collection of documents and photographs assembled by marque specialist Jonathan Sierakowski, having been under the care of only five private owners over seven decades, and remaining in the same captivating condition that once enthralled visitors at Silver Springs, this King of Afghanistan Special Roadster is unequivocally one of the greatest supercharged Mercedes-Benz cars ever created. Indeed, it stands among the ultimate Classics. Its unique patina, unparalleled originality, and rich history coalesce to create an aura that is entirely its own, making this 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster a truly irreplaceable automotive icon.
