Mercedes 540K
- Manufactured in 1936
- 8 cylinders
- 5.4 litres
- 180 horsepower
One of the most expensive cars before World War 2, the Mercedes 540K Was first presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1936 and was a marvel of technique and elegance. The Friedrich Geiger designed car was a development of 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 its time. All 419 of the 540K is unique as they were custom made for each individual customer.
On top of the normal and roadster cars, 12 special cars were developed on an extended chassis length with a 3,880 mm (153 in) wheelbase. All of these cars were developed for the Nazi hierarchy, as six seater convertible saloons. To allow for armour plate, these cars had developed De Dion rear suspension. Due to their higher weight, their maximum speed was 140 km/h (87 mph).
In 1936, Mercedes-Benz also introduced the 540K special, designated 540Ks. The price tag of 28,000 Reichsmarks was some RM6,000 above the price of standard models, and meant only 32 were ever built.
In 1937, Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering ordered a 540Ks, in his favourite colour of sky blue with his family crest on both doors. It included armour-plated sides and bulletproof glass. Nicknamed the “Blue Goose”, Goering was often photographed in the car