Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabriolet - A W29 - 1936 Serial number: 130852 Engine: in-line front-mounted 9-main bearing 8-cylinder type M 241 #130852 Bore x stroke: 86 x 108 mm Capacity: 5 018 cc Timing gear: OHV Intake: one twin-choke Mercedes carburettor Compression ratio: 6.5:1 Maximum power: 100/160 bhp @ 3 400 rpm Transmission: 4-ratio + R manual gearbox Chassis frame: steel box-section side and cross members Body: 2-door 2-seat Cabriolet, RHD Front suspension: independent, double wishbones, coil springs Rear suspension: independent, double wishbones, coil springs Wheelbase: 3 290 mm Front track: 1 515 mm Rear track: 1 502 mm Dry weight: 2 350 kg Brakes: four drums, Bosch-Dewandre servo-vacuum assistance Wheels: 17" centre-lock wire wheels Tyres: 6.50 x 17 Michelin Performance: 160 kph/100 mph max. speed Production: 342 cars (all variants) from 1934 to 1936 In 1932, the sports Mercedes S/SS/SSK generation had to be replaced by more modern designs offering to the wealthiest amateur-drivers the same performance but more comfort and easier driving than the 7-litre fantastic brutes introduced in 1927. In 1932 Mercedes introduced the new 380 Mannheim (W 10), an experimental design of which 94 examples were built. Its superb in-line 8-cylinder developed 80 bhp. Several variants were produced until 1934 culminating this year with a supercharged 4-litre version giving 90 bhp or 140/144 bhp with the blower clutched on. Between 1934 and 1935, some experimental cars were built using a 5-litre engine: the 500 W 24 with atmospheric intake and the W 29 500 K with a supercharger. Production W 29s were built from 1934 to 1936 all fitted with a Roots-type blower made by Daimler-Benz. Power could jump to 160 bhp which allowed to cruise on the new German "Autobahnen" at 160 kph (100 mph). As usual, different body styles were offered. The car of the sale is one of the most impressive and beautiful example of the Rolf Meyer Collection. This 500 K had been discovered in original condition and was thoroughly restored like new. The all-steel body (except the bonnet in aluminium) is finished in deep blue. The black leather hood is lined in beige alpaca. The leather upholstery (originally red) is now in high quality biscuit leather. The woollen carpets are beige. The magnificent walnut dashboard comprises a VDO instrumentation. Some equipment details are uncommon: the Zeiss Ikon swinging arms indicators, for example, or the mats on the running boards or the steering which can be on the right or on the left. The engine bay is one of the most beautiful we have ever seen. But this car is not only destined to concours: after its restoration, it clocked 12 000 miles (19 000 km) before being the last purchase of Rolf Meyer. European title e 400/600 000