November 7, 2024

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Mercedes-Benz 540K Charges to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale

Image: Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

Barrett-Jackson’s massive 2023 Scottsdale auction and lifestyle event just added one of the most coveted German collector cars ever built — a 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A from the Bill Munday Auto Collection. The Mercedes cabriolet — being sold without reserve — will be one of the headlining vehicles crossing the block at Westworld of Scottsdale from January 21 to 29.

Image: Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

Finished in burgundy over a cream leather interior with a matching cream convertible top, the example offered by Barrett-Jackson — lot number 1379 — retains its matching-numbers chassis, driveline and supercharger, for the all-important horsepower boost the 540K is known for. Originally finished with a Cabriolet B body, the Mercedes was later transformed into a desirable Cabriolet A.

Image: Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

In 1991, Fred M. Kemp Sr., founder of the Kemp Auto Museum through Coys of Kensington in London, purchased the 540K. It later passed through the hands of Donald Davis before being sold to William F. Munday in 2016. The car has remained in Mr. Munday’s care since.

No stranger to the show scene, the 540K was named the Most Significant Mercedes-Benz at the 2008 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance. In 2009, the car was awarded the Mercedes Star of Excellence at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and later won Best in Class, European Pre-War at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours.

Register to bid and check out all the vehicles offered at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale here

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