Engine No. 113625

Body No. 815711

Commission No. 14849

In response to an increasing demand for increased performance, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 500 K in March 1934 at the Berlin Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (International Motor Show). The new 500 K, with a supercharged 5.0-liter engine (M 24), replaced the 380, for these discerning clients. The model was initially shown as the "Autobahn-Kurierwagen," a high-speed variant, and was later added to the price list in June 1934 with various body styles, including a Saloon, Open Tourer, Roadsters, and Cabriolets. priced from RM 15,500 to RM 22,000.

The 500 K featured extensive modifications over the 3.8-liter 380, including a larger engine, new crankshaft, and power output of 160 horsepower with the supercharger engaged. It also used a Mercedes-Benz overdrive transmission with a semi-automatic gearshift. The chassis was available in two configurations, a standard 3,290 mm wheelbase and a rear-set version with an optional shorter 2,980 mm wheelbase for Roadsters and Cabriolet bodies. Each 500 K was custom-built to meet the client's specific preferences, with bodywork produced at Mercedes-Benz's Sindelfingen facility with those responsible renowned for their craftsmanship.

Between February 1934 and November 1939, a total of 761 500 K chassis were produced, with 342 featuring the 5.0-litre engine. According to research compiled by marque historian Jonathan Sierakowski, only 90 Cabriolet C bodies were ever mated to the 500 K chassis. Of those 90, it is estimated that only 20 survive today, with only four being original, right-hand drive examples.

As noted in Michael Frostick's book Mighty Mercedes, this 500 K's first owner was a Mr. Penney in May 1935 as an original, right-hand drive example. As noted in R.H. Johnson's Mercedes Register, the car was owned by Clive Richardson of Wimbledon Park, London, beginning in 1944. The car was then noted as being for sale at Bray Motors in late 1956 and at Benrall Hitchin, presumably where it was purchased by S. Rimmer of Welford on Avon. Keeping the car for a few short years, the car was sold to a gentleman living in Birmingham in 1960, where it was shown at various concours. Additionally, R.H. Johnson's indicates the car starred in two different English movies, which are believed to be the 1950 action thriller Highly Dangerous and the 1953 romantic thriller Never Let Me Go.

In 1966, the car left England for the United States, purchased by Francis Burkdoll of Vacaville, California, for $3,200. After enjoying the car for many years, Burkdoll commissioned Joe Cruces of Chico, California to complete a ground-up restoration on the car in August 1993. Having already earned awards at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance for his previous restorations, it should be of no surprise that this 500 K was another success, with previous research indicating the car has earned multiple Best in Show awards throughout the U.S. It was additionally noted as scoring an impressive aver judge score of 96 out of 100 points.

The car remained with the Burkdoll family in California until it was sold on 20 January 1998. Exported from the United States, the car returned to Germany, likely for the first time since it left Mercedes in 1935. Passing through three German owners, the car was acquired by the current owner in 2012. Shortly after purchasing the car, a complete mechanical restoration was performed, where the engine, supercharger, and carburetor were overhauled entirely by Dieter Braun Motorentechnik in 2014 and documented with the service invoice and photographs. A more recent service from 16 June 2023 includes relining the front brake shoes, installing four new wheel cylinders, greasing the chassis, and performing an engine oil change.

Today, this 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabriolet C remains an excellent example of Mercedes-Benz's engineering prowess prior to World War II. With known history from new in England and the United States, and comprehensively restored under prior ownership, this striking two-tone red and cream Cabriolet benefits from a through mechanical restoration in 2014. As one of just four original right hand drive examples believed to still be in existence, it is rather unlikely to find another example like this anywhere it goes.