1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K Spezial Roadster Replica © 2012 courtesy RM Auctions
Chassis No. 105179. Engine No. 102401.71. Estimate €50.000-€60.000
The year 1933 brought Mercedes’ new generation of fast sporting models, the work of engineer Hans Nibel. Born in Bohemia in 1880, Nibel studied at Munich Technical College and joined Benz & Cie in 1904, becoming the chief engineer four years later. It was he who created the Blitzen Benz speed record car of 1910. Following Ferdinand Porsche’s departure in 1929, he was named the technical director. Throughout the period, he concentrated on advanced chassis engineering, which became the mainstay of Mercedes-Benz in the 1930s/
For the new cars, Nibel came up with a straight-eight, pushrod OHV design of 3,823 cc. The new Typ 380 had all-independent suspension, which Nibel had pioneered on the plebeian Typ 170 sedan. A double-wishbone design with coil springs was used in front, with coil-sprung swing axles at the rear. The 380, however, proved to be somewhat underpowered, making 90 bhp when normally aspirated or 140 bhp with the double-vane Roots-type supercharger, which is a bit underwhelming for a two-ton car. Nibel then came up with a larger five-litre engine that gave 100/160 bhp, and introduced it in 1934 as the Typ 500K, “K” in this case meaning kompressor or supercharger. The wheelbase was extended to 3,290 mm (129.5 inches), and a range of cabriolets, roadsters and sedans was offered. Production of 500Ks totalled 354 over three years, followed by a further 419 540Ks with a larger 5,401 cc engine.
This Spezial Roadster replica carries the chassis number of a 1936 500K Cabriolet B and its door openings, wing profiles and bonnet ventilation. The cockpit is upholstered in beige leather, but there is no hood, just an empty dummy cover. The car is fitted with Carl Zeiss front lighting, and it apparently has an original radiator.
Although a replica, the overall effect is not unpleasing, and this car will be sure to find an audience in segments of the sporting world. Given the rarity and extraordinary price point of Spezial Roadsters, a lovely replica such as this is sure to delight the driving enthusiast.
RM Auctions. Aalhom Automobile Collection. Sunday, August 12, 2012 www.rmauctions.com