Mercedes-Benz 500K
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| Mercedes-Benz 500K | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Also called | W29 |
| Production | 1934–36 |
| Assembly | Untertürkheim factory, Sindelfingen |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz 380 |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz 540K |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Engine(s) | 5,018 cc straight-8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed or optional 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,980 mm (117.3 in) (SWB) 3,290 mm (129.5 in) (LWB) |
| Curb weight | Up to 2,700 kg (6,000 lb) |
| Fuel capacity | 110 l (24.2 imp gal/29.1 US gal) |
| Designer | Friedrich Geiger |
The Mercedes 500K is a sports car built by Mercedes-Benz between 1934 and 1936, and first exhibited at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show.[1] Distinguished from the 500 sedan by the "K" in its name which denoted the kompressor (supercharger) only fitted to the sports cars, it succeeded the Mercedes-Benz 380 which had been introduced only the previous year, using a larger, more powerful engine and more opulent coachwork to meet customers' demands for greater luxury and performance.[2][3]
The 500K used the same independent suspension setup as had been introduced on the 380, with a double wishbone front axle, double-joint swing axle at the rear, and separate wheel location, coil springs and damping, a world first.[1][2] Consequently it was a more comfortable and better handling car than Mercedes' previous S/SS/SSK generation of roadsters from the 1920s, and offered greater appeal to buyers, particularly the growing number of well-heeled female drivers of the time.[1]
Using a separate foot-operated pedal alongside the accelerator to engage the Roots supercharger,[1] the five litre straight eight engine produced 160 horsepower (120 kW) and was capable of over 160 kilometres per hour (100 mph), consuming fuel at the rate of 27 l/100 km (10.5 mpg imp/8.7 mpg US) to 30 l/100 km (9.4 mpg imp/7.8 mpg US) as it did so.[1][3]
Three different chassis and eight bodies were available for customers;[1][3] the two longer "B" and "C" four seat cabriolet versions rode on a wheelbase of 3,290 mm (129.5 in), and would later be used on other sedan and touring car models.[1] The short "A" chassis, with a 2,980 mm (117.3 in) wheelbase, underpinned the two-seater models: the Motorway Courier, and the 1936 Special Roadster which offered the highest performance.[1][4] All models featured such advanced equipment as safety glass, hydraulic brakes, and a 12-volt electrical system sufficient to bear the load of the electric windscreen wipers, door locks, and indicators.[3]
342 500Ks were built during its two years in production, including 29 Special Roadsters, before being replaced by the even more powerful 540K in 1936.[1] Today, they remain highly prized for their heritage and scarcity; when the car collection of Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone was auctioned in October 2007 it included five pre-war Mercedes, and his 500K Special Cabriolet fetched almost £700,000 (US$1.45 million).[5]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i 1934 - The Mercedes 500K is born. Classicdriver.com.
- ^ a b 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster. Sportscarmarket.com (August 2001).
- ^ a b c d Frank, Michael (February 5, 2003). Special K. Forbes.
- ^ The 25 Most Beautiful Cars Ever. Automobile Magazine.
- ^ Gallery: Ecclestone Merc goes for £4m. MSN (October 31, 2007).
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