The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540k Special Roadster stands as a paragon of pre-war automotive elegance and engineering. This particular model is distinguished by its one-off body crafted by the prestigious Mayfair Carriage Co., adding an exclusive chapter to the storied legacy of the Benz 540K. Known within the factory as ‘Fahrgestell mit zuruckgesetztem Motor’ – meaning ‘chassis with setback motor’ – this vehicle showcases a unique configuration that sets it apart from its contemporaries.
This exceptional Benz 540k boasts a meticulously designed body featuring a folding windshield and elegantly skirted rear fenders. The extensive use of louvers not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency. Mayfair Carriage Co.’s coachwork is notably lighter than the typically heavier bodies mounted on Mercedes-Benz 540K chassis. This reduction in weight translates to exhilarating performance, especially when the supercharger – or blower – is engaged, delivering the thrilling power that the 540K is renowned for.
Ordered with a setback radiator, a feature commonly intended for open-top cars and factory roadsters, this Benz 540K exhibits a distinctive visual signature. The factory designation ‘Fahrgestell mit zuruckgesetztem Motor’ precisely describes this modification: the radiator and the entire drivetrain were intentionally set back by 185mm. While externally discernible by the radiator’s position relative to the front axle, this alteration profoundly impacted the car’s overall presence. It afforded a more assertive front-end design and a silhouette that appears longer and lower, amplifying its sporting character.
Mercedes-Benz factory records document the shipment of this chassis on October 7, 1936, to their Paris, France, store. This destination is quite unusual for a right-hand-drive chassis, especially one destined to receive bodywork from an English coachbuilder. This anomaly fuels speculation and adds to the mystique surrounding this Benz 540K. Automotive historian Michael Frostick acknowledged this car in his seminal work, ‘The Mighty Mercedes,’ listing it among UK chassis but without further elaboration, unlike his detailed accounts of other models. Historians propose that the Paris connection may indicate an initial order by a British expatriate residing in Paris, who subsequently arranged for the chassis to be sent to London for its bespoke body construction. Another intriguing theory suggests a commission by an Indian Maharajah, which would also account for the right-hand-drive configuration. Regardless of the precise origins, the unconventional order path likely limited the details available to Frostick compared to more standard commissions.
The journey of this Benz 540K continued into the early 1950s when it was sighted in London before being acquired by Peter Hessler of Quebec City, Canada. Hessler’s ownership was brief, and the car then passed into the hands of Toronto-based enthusiast Paul Suckling. In 1968, Richard C. Mertz, a collector from the Detroit area, purchased the vehicle and imported it to America. Mertz, along with his son Steve, embarked on a restoration project for this 540K. The intricate panel work was entrusted to Alcraft, a prototype shop in Detroit, while the remaining restoration tasks were undertaken by the Mertzes in collaboration with Harry Flynn, Harry Kennedy, and John Graham. Parts specialist Bud Cohn of California provided many of the necessary smaller components.
Tragically, Richard Mertz passed away during the restoration in 1984, leaving the Benz 540K to his son Steve of Royal Oak, Michigan. In 1994, this meticulously preserved 540K was offered for sale and became a prized addition to the renowned collection of casino magnate Ralph Englestad of Las Vegas, Nevada. Englestad commissioned a second, concours-level restoration, transforming the car’s color scheme from black over silver to a striking red. Following Englestad’s passing in 2002, this exceptional Mayfair-bodied 540K joined another prominent Southern California collection, where it was showcased alongside other outstanding examples of the Mercedes-Benz marque. Its provenance from the esteemed Don Williams Collection further solidifies its status as a highly desirable and historically significant automobile. This Benz 540K represents not just a car, but a rolling piece of art with a captivating history.
