Mercedes-Benz Classic is bringing the 540 K streamliner to this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Élégance. Following a comprehensive restoration and reconstruction, the extraordinary vehicle from 1938 will be making its worldwide public debut on the US West Coast. The 540 K can be experienced for the first time at the Tour d'Élégance on Thursday, August 14. The streamliner will also be in the public eye at the Concours d'Élégance on Sunday.
"The 540 K streamlined car embodies pure perfection," says Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic and Customer Center. "The overall design and numerous technical details illustrate not only the innovative strength of the Mercedes-Benz brand, but also its expertise in the development of unique pieces that meet the highest standards of design, comfort, quality and customer benefit."
The special vehicle is designed to reach very high speeds quickly with its powerful compressor drive and to maintain these speeds over longer distances. Thanks to the lightweight aluminum body developed in the wind tunnel, this unique vehicle is a prime example of efficiency in its performance class.
In addition to lightweight construction and sophisticated aerodynamics, it is also the outstanding exterior and interior design, the dignified finish and the generous spaciousness that make the 540 K streamliner an absolutely unique vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz Classic has rebuilt the vehicle absolutely true to the original as part of a highly demanding and complex restoration project. Only contemporary techniques, methods and materials were used. As in 1938, the result is a spectacular one-off: a messenger from the future that combines the innovative vehicle design of the 1930s with maximum efficiency and modern, perfect aesthetics - and which still looks highly contemporary today.
Mercedes will also be exhibiting the Mercedes Grand Prix racing car from 1914 in California, with which the factory achieved an epoch-making triple victory near Lyon on July 4, 1914.
