Bring a Trailer Auctions Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster
Only 29 examples of the coachbuilt roadster were originally produced...
Bring a Trailer is auctioning a supercharged, eight-cylinder 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500 K. Just 342 Mercedes-Benz 500 K examples were produced between 1934 and 1936, and the Special Roadster is among the most coveted, according to a press release announcing the auction.
Of the 500 K production run, only 29 were roadsters, and even fewer featured the long-tail special roadster design. In the past decade, only six long-tail special roadsters have appeared at auction, four of which had new coachwork. Of those, just two featured the distinctive covered spare tire, according to Bring a Trailer. Chassis number 105179 features its original chassis and supercharged engine, both of which survived through World War II.
Ordered in 1934 by a dealer in The Hague, Netherlands, the 500 K was originally fitted with a Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet B body before that body was destroyed during the war.. After years of storage, the car was eventually acquired by a Danish baron in the 1960’s, placing the vehicle in his Aalholm automobile museum. As Special Roadsters began selling for record prices throughout the 1980’s, the baron tasked his museum craftsmen with applying a roadster body in the 1990s. The restoration was commendable, but not to factory specifications. The baron’s daughter recalls it as her father’s favorite and a favorite among museum visitors. After the museum closed and a 2012 auction sparked a bidding war, the car was acquired by its current owner.
The car was rebodied by Casimir Nawrocki, who is renowned for his award-winning work on classic Mercedes-Benz models. Nawrocki’s craftsmanship extended beyond body panels; he crafted dozens of brass trim pieces and engineered mechanisms for window lifts, door and panel locks, and movable vents. Before all of this, however, Cass had to restore the chassis, carefully repairing war damage to return to factory specifications.
The engine was serviced by Bearing Services Co. Every component was either restored or replaced, including new bearings and pistons. The 500 K Special Roadster is powered by its original 5 liter straight-eight engine.
After 7 years of restoration, this vehicle has earned numerous accolades on the concours circuit, including Best of Show honors at four events and multiple awards from the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. With its sweeping fenders, chrome accents, and flowing design, it commands attention and admiration.
To learn more about the 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster or place your bid, click here. Auction ends on Oct. 29.
