Built in extremely limited numbers – 419 chassis in all – most of the Mercedes-Benz 540 Ks were clothed in elegant bodies designed by Sindelfingen, the official carrosserie of Daimler-Benz. The 540 K utilized an overhead valve, eight-cylinder engine and, with the supercharger engaged, delivered massive torque and a locomotive-like 180 bhp. According to a report by Jonathan Sierakowski on file, this 540 K, chassis 408420, was ordered new by German air force field marshal Erhard Milch as a Sindelfingen-bodied Cabriolet B in June 1939. While little is known of Milch’s ownership of the open-bodied 540 K, the car’s next known ownership dates to the mid-1980s, when Swiss coachbuilder and restorer Walter Köng of Basel, Switzerland, converted the Mercedes-Benz from its original Cabriolet B coachwork to sportier Cabriolet A-style coachwork.

This new coachwork had no quarter windows or rear seat and featured a lower front windshield, allowing for a lower-cut roofline, giving the Mercedes-Benz a slim appearance. Köng was a second-generation coachbuilder and was later entrusted with the restoration of the Mercedes-Benz Museum’s cars when his business shifted its focus towards restoration.

By 1988, the 540 K made its way to England, and by 1991 the car was acquired by American car collector Fred M. Kemp Sr. of Missouri. Mr. Kemp founded the Kemp Auto Museum, a Mercedes-Benz museum in Chesterfield, Missouri, that contained multiple 540 Ks, where this Cabriolet was displayed in pride of place. Kemp, together with his family, exhibited the 540 K at numerous concours events throughout the US, often being awarded significant Mercedes-Benz and First in Class honors. These venues included the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, and Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, among others. Upon Mr. Kemp’s passing in 2015, the Mercedes-Benz was acquired by noted enthusiast Donald Davis of Fort Worth, Texas. In 2016, the 540 K became a part of the Munday Auto Collection in Austin, Texas. Bill Munday assembled a vast collection, which included Duesenbergs, V-16 Cadillacs, custom coachwork Rolls-Royce, and other notable classics. The consignor acquired the 540 K from the Munday Auto Collection and has diligently cared for the car while only using it sparingly during his ownership.

Resplendent in maroon with a cream-colored leather interior, this striking, supercharged Mercedes-Benz would be a welcome entry at multiple concours events worldwide. With its beautifully maintained older restoration, the car is sure to attract further accolades under the next owner’s continued care. Considered the pre-eminent Mercedes-Benz model of the Classic Era, no prewar collection is complete without a 540 K adorned with open coachwork.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled as 540408420.