1936 Mercedes-Benz Typ 540 K Cabriolet B 540 Kompressor

Vehicle Overview

The German automaker introduced the Typ 540 K lineup in March 1934 at the International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin in a few shapes and sizes, including a few open-top versions, such as the Cabriolet B.

In the following month, in April, the automaker revealed the prices for the new lineup and started to get orders, but only in June it unveiled the prices for the supercharged version, named 540 K. Like most other vehicles built by it, Mercedes-Benz offered the new, W29 model, in a few shapes, including a few convertibles and roadsters. Since some of its clients needed more than two seats for their vehicles, the three-pointed-star brand offered a four-door convertible named Cabriolet B.

Like its Cabriolet A sibling, the B version also featured a pined-out radiator placed behind the front axle. Its large front fenders sported the chromed cross-beam that supported the headlights. The back of the car was extended so that it could accommodate a larger cabin fitted with a rear bench. Due to that, the trunk lid was more upright than on the Cabriolet A. Finally, in the rear, the carmaker placed the taillights on top of the rear fenders, and it looked like they were added there at the last moment.

Since Mercedes-Benz was already an established luxury carmaker, the interior boasted only expensive materials. Thus, the fine leather was mixed with real wood veneers. In addition, the polished metal from the steering wheel and the dashboard created a premium ambiance. At the front, the Cabriolet B offered a pair of wide seats, while in the back, there was a bench.

The chassis used was the long-wheelbase version, with front independent suspension and a rear swing axle with coil springs. Its 5.4-liter supercharged engine provided 180 hp when the supercharger was engaged. Mercedes-Benz paired the powerplant with a four-speed manual gearbox.