Description

The legendary Mercedes-Benz 540K roadster was viewed by many as the ultimate European road car and it remains one of bluest of blue-chip collector cars more than 80 years later. Their rarity and desirability also spawned a decades-long cottage industry in custom-built replica editions. That’s what we’re looking at with this car, which is based on the look of the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K roadster, but was constructed in 1983 and titled as such. It’s powered by a Nissan six-cylinder engine and has a manual transmission. Exhibiting the soul of a classic 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K roadster—one of the world’s most significant road cars, this replica offers classic style in a package that is within the reach of far more collectors.

POWERTRAIN A Nissan-sourced OHC inline six-cylinder engine with a pair of side-draft carburetors powers this 540K replica and is matched with a manual transmission. There are no operational issues with the engine, with no smoke and no leaks. There are no issues with the transmission, either.

EXTERIOR The dark red paintwork on this Mercedes-Benz replica is in good condition, with some minor paint chips. The exterior trim, which includes a replica of the iconic Mercedes grille, is in very good condition, as well as the convertible roof is in good condition. The glass and seals also look to be in good condition, with a scratch on the driver’s side window. All the lighting is functional and the body is rust-free.

INTERIOR Inside, the beige leather cockpit is in good condition, but with some visible wear in the seat covers, leather-wrapped steering wheel and wooden instrument panel inlay. There is also some surface corrosion in some of the switches. The carpet is in good condition. There are no issues with the Classics Instruments gauges or heater, but the contemporary Kenwood CD head unit is non-functional.

CHASSIS The chassis, suspension and brake systems are all in good condition, with no known issues or needs. The car has front disc and rear drum brakes, which work well, and manual steering. The car rolls on chrome 14-inch wire wheels wrapped with Coker wide whitewall tires. The age of the tires is unknown.