1934 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabriolet A
Introduced at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show, this grand touring model succeeded the 380 as Mercedes-Benz’s flagship, created to satisfy demands for greater luxury and performance.
The Cabriolet A body style represented one of the most desirable open configurations, distinguished by long sweeping front fenders, a low windshield and folding top, dual rear-mounted spare wheels, and a passenger compartment positioned far back on the chassis.
The 5.0-liter inline eight-cylinder engine produced 100 horsepower in normal operation, but pressing the throttle fully engaged the Roots-type supercharger to deliver 160 horsepower.
Power was sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission, with fourth gear functioning as an overdrive. Independent suspension with double wishbones at the front and swing axles at the rear provided superior handling compared to earlier supercharged Mercedes roadsters.
Mercedes-Benz produced 342 examples of the 500 K between 1934 and 1936, with the Cabriolet A among the rarest body styles offered. The combination of advanced engineering and dramatic coachwork established these cars as exceptional examples of 1930s German automotive design.
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