Description
The Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet B was one of the most elegant and versatile open touring cars of the late 1930s, combining supercharged performance with genuine four-seat practicality. Introduced in 1936 as part of the 540 K range, the Cabriolet B sat between the intimate two-seat Cabriolet A and the more formal Cabriolet C and Limousine variants. It was designed for wealthy private owners who wanted the drama and power of a Kompressor Mercedes but also required space for passengers and luggage, making it one of the most usable and refined open models in the series.
Power came from the formidable 5.4-litre inline-eight engine fitted with a Roots-type supercharger. In normal driving the engine operated without boost, delivering smooth, quiet and dignified progress. When the accelerator was fully depressed, the supercharger engaged, raising output to approximately 180 horsepower and unleashing immense torque. This dual-character engine gave the Cabriolet B an extraordinary breadth of ability, allowing it to cruise calmly through towns and then accelerate with authority on open roads. A four-speed manual gearbox transmitted power smoothly, and the engine’s flexibility meant that frequent gear changes were rarely necessary.
The 540 K Cabriolet B was built on Mercedes-Benz’s advanced low-frame chassis, a defining feature of the 500 K and 540 K models. By positioning the body deep between the axles, this design lowered the centre of gravity and significantly improved stability and handling compared with earlier upright luxury cars. Suspension consisted of semi-elliptic leaf springs at both front and rear, carefully tuned to provide a balance between ride comfort and control. Hydraulic brakes on all four wheels offered strong and dependable stopping power, an essential requirement given the car’s weight and performance potential. The long wheelbase contributed to a smooth, composed ride well suited to long-distance touring.
The Cabriolet B bodywork, crafted by the Sindelfingen coachworks, was both elegant and imposing. It featured a long, sculpted bonnet, sweeping front wings, four proper side windows and a well-proportioned rear section that accommodated the folding roof. Compared with the dramatic Spezial Roadsters, the Cabriolet B’s styling was more restrained, but it retained a powerful road presence and unmistakable prestige. The fabric roof was substantial and well insulated, providing excellent weather protection when raised and folding neatly when lowered to preserve the car’s graceful lines. With the roof down, the Cabriolet B became a commanding open tourer; with it raised, it retained the dignity of a formal luxury car.
Inside, the 540 K Cabriolet B offered a spacious and luxurious cabin for four adults. The front seats were generous and supportive, while the rear bench provided ample legroom, making the car genuinely practical for touring with passengers. Upholstery was typically finished in fine leather, complemented by polished wood veneers and high-quality metal fittings. The dashboard featured clear, well-arranged instruments and solid, precisely engineered controls. Despite the car’s performance capabilities, the interior environment remained quiet and refined, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s focus on comfort and quality.
On the road, the Cabriolet B delivered a driving experience that blended effortless power with composure. In relaxed use it behaved like a refined luxury car, smooth and unhurried. When the supercharger engaged, the transformation was dramatic, with powerful acceleration delivered smoothly and without strain. The low chassis and long wheelbase provided impressive stability at speed, making high-speed touring remarkably secure for such a large open car. While not intended for aggressive driving, the Cabriolet B rewarded confident, measured inputs with a sense of immense capability and control.
The 540 K Cabriolet B was produced in limited numbers, as each example was hand-built and expensive, aimed at a select clientele. Many were tailored to individual customer specifications, further enhancing their exclusivity. Although overshadowed in popular imagination by the flamboyant Spezial Roadsters, the Cabriolet B was arguably the most balanced and usable open 540 K variant, offering supercharged performance without sacrificing comfort or practicality.
Today, the Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet B is regarded as one of the most desirable pre-war luxury touring cars. Its combination of dramatic supercharged engineering, elegant Sindelfingen design and genuine four-seat usability makes it a standout within the 540 K range. Surviving examples are rare and highly prized, valued for their presence, refinement and their embodiment of Mercedes-Benz luxury and engineering excellence at its pre-war peak.