Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabriolet C

The Mercedes-Benz 500K

Mercedes Benz's discerning clientele soon became dissatisfied with the performance of the 380 model (1933-1934), particularly because they had come to appreciate the large-volume and powerful models of the previous Mercedes "S" family (S, SS and SSK). In 1934, Mercedes quickly developed the subsequent 500 K (W29 series) from the 380, the official designation of which was initially "Type 500 with supercharger". Its new engine with switchable Roots supercharger now had a displacement of 5 litres and the engine output was then 100 hp without and 160 hp with the supercharger. The achievable top speed was 160 kph. The modification of the engine was extensive and also required a new crankshaft. A high-speed gearbox with semi-automatic shifting was used for the 500 K transmission. The clutch did not need to be operated when shifting from third (direct) gear to high gear. The 500 K made its debut at the International Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition (IAMA) in Berlin in a spectacular version as a so-called "Autobahnkurier", which was designed in a "single special version" for high speed distances. The 500 K was available in seven body variants: in addition to the chassis, a 4-door saloon, still called the "Innenlenker" at the time, a 2-seater roadster with two emergency seats, the convertibles A, B and C and a 2-door open touring car. In autumn 1934, a very elegant “Special Roadster” was added to the 500 K range at the Paris Motor Show. 

Its price was 4,000 Reichsmarks more than the other variants. Moreover, it was also possible to order tailor-made one-off bodies based on a "rolling chassis". Even if the quantities seem like series production, these vehicles were largely customised and handcrafted in a manufactory-like production process. With the bodies for the eight-cylinder cars, the Sindelfingen special coachbuilders achieved a generally well recognised level of beauty and quality of workmanship that could hardly be surpassed. In total, only 342 units of the 500 K were produced from 1934 to 1936, before the engine was enlarged again and the 540 K succeeded it.

This vehicle

According to the commission book, this Mercedes Benz Type 500 with supercharger (500 K) with the body of the Cabriolet C was ordered by 'Mercedes Benz London Cars Repairs and Sales Ltd.' in Stuttgart on 28 March 1935. Delivery of the right-hand drive vehicle took place in June 1935. The registration to the first owner, Peter James Hawkins, is dated 5 June 1935. An extract from the original registration proofs his ownership of the car until the early 1960s. The delivery colour was probably black with a light-coloured soft top, as can be seen in later photos taken during a restoration. In December 1963, this 500 K returned to the continent, to Leeuwarden in the Netherlands. An official import document and original correspondence between Daimler Benz AG and the Dutch owner (name known) is available. He kept the car for a further three years until a Swiss (name known) acquired the 500 K and imported it to Basel. Here too, the original transport, import and customs documents are still existing. The third owner confirmed to customs that the car was in its original condition and that he had acquired it as a collector's item. There is also an original Swiss vehicle registration document from May 1979, which confirms that the car was registered to the owner until 1983. At this time, the car was already wearing its current colour scheme of white with black wings, a black soft top and a red leather interior. This can be traced back to an elaborate restoration by the company Köng in Basel (Walter Köng AG, Coachbuilding) around the year 1980. 

This specialised workshop was even recommended by Mercedes Benz for the restoration of classic Mercedes cars at a time when it did not yet have its own Classic department. In November 1983, the 500 K Cabriolet C changed hands for the last time and ended up with another enthusiast, who kept the car until November 2023 – for a whole 40 years! At the time, the buyer was the owner of a Mercedes Benz dealership in northern Germany and had acquired a number of high-quality Mercedes classics over the years. Original documents, correspondence and a declaration of origin from Daimler Benz AG in connection to the purchase and import. In addition, a correspondence from 1983 between the owner and Mr Gerrit von Pein, Head of the 'Archive Museum History' department at Daimler Benz AG, documents the interest and the expertise of the owner as well as some details about the originality of the car. The mounted headlights, the position lamps, the chrome-plated blank door sills without the "Mercedes Benz" lettering and the mother-of-pearl coating in which the instruments are framed in the dashboard correspond to the correct factory delivery condition of the model. Ten years later, the original engine of this 500 K was extensively restored by a renowned specialist company for pre-war Mercedes supercharger vehicles in Germany. A detailed list of the work carried out and a total invoice from 1993 of DM 70,000 (!) are available. Both are proof of the great effort that the owner invested in the car. This Mercedes 500 K as a Cabriolet C is a rare and exceptional vehicle due to its traceable history and documentation. The fact alone that it was with the penultimate owner for 17 years and then with its last owner for 40 years and was expertly maintained and preserved is a great advantage of this car. In contrast, many collector's cars today are passed halfway around the world every few years. The old but high-quality restoration has been preserved in very good condition with a light, authentic patina and makes this car particularly attractive. An original FIVA passport from 1985, an original owner's manual and various contemporary photographs round off the documentation of this car. After 57 years with just two owners, this beautiful supercharged Mercedes is now ready for the next era. Ideally in the loyal hands of a collector who appreciates its special history.