CHRISTMAS IS COMING
WHAT COULD SANTA BRING YOU?
Brought to you by Classic Chatter
www.classicchatter.co.uk
Visit our 2017 Show Listings at EVENTS 2017
To Advertise your 2018 Events e-mail us at
events.classicchatter@mail.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Social Media
FACEBOOK - @classicchatterinfocus
TWITTER - @classicchat
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Visit our 2017 Show Listings at EVENTS 2017
To Advertise your 2018 Events e-mail us at
events.classicchatter@mail.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Social Media
FACEBOOK - @classicchatterinfocus
TWITTER - @classicchat
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Classic Chatter is an independent website for owners & enthusiasts of all types of historic vehicles.
As well as our main website we post regularly on our sites related to Showroom Classics, Auctions & Events News
TODAY WE FEATURE
COYS AUCTIONS
TODAY WE FEATURE
TUESDAY 5th DECEMBER 2017
The Royal Horticultural Society,Lindley Hall, Vincent Square
Westminster, London, SW1P 2PE
1937 MERCEDES BENZ 540K CABRIOLET A
Chassis No -
169355
Introduced at the 1936 Paris Motor Show, the Friedrich Geiger designed car was a development to the 500K, itself a development of the SSK. Available as a two-seater cabriolet, four seater coupé or seven seater limousine with armoured sides and armoured glass, it was one of the largest cars of the time.
The Sindelfingen factory, where this exclusive bodywork
was created, employed 1,500 people to create the 540K for some of the
world’s wealthiest and most famous, such as Jack L. Warner of Warner
Brothers, and allowed a great deal of individual customisation.
Rolling off the assembly line in Sidelfingen in 1937, it
is confirmed by the factory records that #169355 is an original 540K
Cabriolet A that was delivered new to Berlin on the 2nd of July 1937.
It was shortly after World-War II that the car was
purchased by Editoriale Domus on behalf of Gianinni Mazzocci, – founder
of Quattroruote, who purchased the car as one of the main features of
his prestigious car collection. There
it remained completely unmolested until in 1966, when the car was
recommissioned to allow for participation in numerous classic car
events.
As time passed, it was becoming clear that #169355 was in
need of a thorough restoration and by its 57th birthday in 1993, it had
been decided. The comprehensive restoration that would be to last over
ten years was entrusted to none other than specialist Vittorio Klun of
Milan, under the close scrutiny of Frederick Robutti, – head of the
Quattroruote Museum. Restoration work included work to the car’s ash
wood body frame and brightwork. The original body was in excellent
condition and was simply stripped and repainted, and the mechanics were
rebuilt as new.
Only at this point did it become clear that white was not
the original colour. In several places on the body, clear traces of two
shades of blue were found proving that the car was originally finished
in the two-tone it is seen in today.
Fabio Calligaris, owner of the renowned trimming
specialists Grantusimo, was entrusted with the restoration of all the
interior of the car including the roof.
Obviously the car is desirable being an original Cabriolet
A, but being in single ownership from shortly after WWII to date, this
could arguably be the only surviving Cabriolet A with such impeccable
ownership provenance.
In the late thirties there was nothing on the road that
surpassed the Mercedes-Benz 540K for style, image, effect, and
performance, and resultantly it is known by the world to be the first
supercar ever made. That statement is no less true today, particularly
in the case of this exceptional example.
ORIGINAL SOURCE
SELECTED BY - IDRIS THE SQUIRREL
HE'S NUTS ABOUT CLASSICS
CLASSIC CHATTER
KEEPING IT CLASSIC
2010-2017
Disclaimer: Whilst
Classic Chatter ("we") attempt to make sure that the information
contained in this website is accurate and complete, we are aware that
some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able,
therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of that information and cannot
accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information
or for any reliance on which you may place on the information contained
in this website. We highly recommend that y check the accuracy of the
information supplied. If you have any queries with regard to any
information on our website, please contact us at jeff.classicchatter@mail.com
HE'S NUTS ABOUT CLASSICS
CLASSIC CHATTER
KEEPING IT CLASSIC
2010-2017
Disclaimer: Whilst
Classic Chatter ("we") attempt to make sure that the information
contained in this website is accurate and complete, we are aware that
some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able,
therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of that information and cannot
accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information
or for any reliance on which you may place on the information contained
in this website. We highly recommend that y check the accuracy of the
information supplied. If you have any queries with regard to any
information on our website, please contact us at jeff.classicchatter@mail.com
POWERED BY DRAGONS
