Mercedes-Benz 500 K Touring Phaeton

The Mercedes-Benz 500 K Touring Phaeton

Bohemia brought forth some of the most ingenious automotive engineers such as Ferdinand Porsche, Hans Ledwinka and Hans Nibel. Hans Nibel and his team at Mercedes-Benz constructed the over 1 m long eight-cylinder engine of the Mercedes 500 Kompressor. It replaced its predecessor, the model 380 which was not performing sufficiently. Nibel increased the power from 80 hp to 100 hp and 160 hp with the supercharger engaged, thus giving the 500 K the character of a Grand-Tourismo car with a sporty attitude.

Details I

On the IAMA motorshow in 1934 the 500 K was the most noted automobile and soon it was ordered by famous personalities all over the globe.With power-assisted brakes, double swing rear axle and a front axle which had double wishbones and coil springs, the car was one of the most advanced technical constructions of its time. Only 354 chassis were built and carried 8 different body versions. Over half of the production was destroyed over the years.

Details II

This Mercedes has an eventful history as well. Delivered to the German government in the person of Rudolf Schmeer in 1935, the car was first found in Salzburg after the war, where it was discovered and acquired by two Americans.In 1955 a certain Ivan P. Baxter from Wisconsin bought it and five years later it was shown as an exhibition vehicle in the famous Brook Stevens Automotive Museum in Allerton / Wisconsin. Stevens was an internationally recognized industrial designer who, among other things, designed cars, trains but also Harley Davidson motorcycles (Electra Glide).

Details III

Other American owners followed and the car took part in Pebble Beach in 2008 and in the Concours d’elegance in Amelia Island in 2010. It was restored by the well-known Californian restorer Mike Fennel, who worked almost exclusively for the Blackhawk Collection and the Imperial Palace Collection. After that, almost unused, it still shines in full splendor. Certainly the sportiest - because the lightest Mercedes-Benz 500 K.

Details IV

What makes this Mercedes-Benz 500 K Touring Phaeton so special?

• That it is one of the most exclusive vehicles of its time with extravagant body style.
• That the car has had a beautiful and harmonious restoration.
• That the car is extremely easy to drive for its time.
• That the vehicle is absolutely original and “matching numbers”.