A Mercedes-Benz 540 K might be world’s most expensive Pre-WW II car

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You don’t see cars like this every day. They are not parked on the side of the road in our usual cities and we don’t bump to them in traffic jams. But every once in a while, a star like this comes out in the open. This 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K “Special Roadster” is going under hammer.

A Mercedes-Benz 540 K “Special Roadster” could become the world’s most expensive pre-War World II automobile, since it is expected to fetch almost £10 million (approximately $14,500,000). Should it reach its estimated price, the classy classic will top a 1936 Mercedes 540 K, sold for £8 million in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster world's most expensive

Eighty decades ago, when it first came out into the world, the Mercedes roadster was sold for around £2,400.

Featuring a supercharged engine, the two seater convertible could reach a top speed of 170 km/h (105 mph), a dazzling speed at that time.

The model that will join the Sotheby’s auction was first delivered to Colorado, USA, to a gentleman going by the name of Reginald Sinclaire. Mr. Sinclaire was a luxury cars collector and next to this “Special Roadster”, there were plenty of other special cars like Aston Martins, Bentleys and Dusenburgs.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster world's most expensive

Sinclaire sold it in the 1950’s. From that moment on, the car became a globetrotter, passing through several hands and garages. But still, it only covered 16,539 km, (about 10,277 miles). It reached its current owner in 1989 and now, it is changing its home again.

The Mercedes-Benz 540 K “Special Roadster” is going under hammer in Arizona, at the end of January.

Ian Kelleher, director at RM Sotheby’s, told SWNS: “In the world of luxury automobiles, the 540 K is a car with few peers and effortlessly check all the boxes when it comes to collectability, namely extreme beauty, power and rarity. The fact that it is coming to market for the first time in decades makes its offering all the more special and sets the scene for an exciting auction.”

Photo credit: RM Sotheby’s.