Dive into the captivating world of automotive heritage with “Close-up,” the latest offering from the Mercedes-Benz Museum that promises to unravel the mysteries and marvels of iconic vehicles. In this edition, the spotlight shines on the timeless elegance of the Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster (W 29) nestled within the hallowed halls of Legend Room 3: Times of Change – Diesel and Supercharger, 1914 to 1945. Renowned as a superstar of automotive sculpture, this extraordinary machine effortlessly bridges the gap between the glamour of the 1930s and the present day, captivating all who encounter its resplendent charm.
Mercedes-Benz Museum, Legend Room 3: Times of Change – Diesel and Supercharger, 1914 to 1945. Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster (W 29). View from the right.
Step back in time to the grandeur of the International Motor Show (IAMA) in Berlin, March 1934, where the Mercedes-Benz 500 K made its illustrious debut as the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Boasting an exorbitant price tag equivalent to a prime real estate purchase of its era, this coveted “autobahn courier” swiftly garnered the attention of celebrities from every sphere, solidifying its status as a symbol of opulence and prestige. From red carpets to opulent salons, the 500 K effortlessly transcended mere transportation, becoming a coveted accessory for the elite.
Beneath its sleek exterior lies a testament to craftsmanship and innovation, from the meticulous handcrafted upholstery to the legendary M 29 supercharged engine that delivers unparalleled performance. Designed with an eye for detail and engineered for excellence, the 500 K remains a rarity even today, with only a select few fortunate enough to experience its unparalleled luxury and timeless appeal. As Mercedes-Benz Classic experts meticulously preserve its heritage, the legacy of the 500 K Special Roadster continues to inspire awe and admiration for generations to come.
Mercedes-Benz Museum, Legend Room 3: Times of Change – Diesel and Supercharger, 1914 to 1945. Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster (W 29). View from the right.
PRESS RELEASE
Stuttgart, March 12, 2024
Close-up” – the name of this series from the Mercedes-Benz Museum says it all. Each instalment tells a surprising, exciting or behind-the-scenes story, shining a spotlight on details of a vehicle, an exhibit or an architectural or design feature. In the spotlight this time: the Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster (W 29) in Legend Room 3: Times of Change – Diesel and Supercharger, 1914 to 1945.
No. 2/2024: Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster (W 29)
Spotlight: The 500 K Special Roadster is a superstar at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. What makes it so fascinating? It is an extraordinary automotive sculpture, whose elegance radiates effortlessly from the 1930s to the present day. This is where the best technology, highly elegant styling and a luxurious interior come together. Anyone approaching this bright red vehicle is mesmerised by its grandeur.
Highly exclusive: The Mercedes-Benz 500 K made its debut at the International Motor Show (IAMA) in Berlin from 8 to 18 March 1934 – 90 years ago. The luxury car was on display as a spectacular “autobahn courier”. The Special Roadster with recessed radiator was added to the model range in October 1934, as the eighth and most expensive body variant: its price was 28,000 reichsmarks. An exorbitant amount, for which you could easily buy a detached house in a prime location at the time.
Illustrious clientele: Celebrities from the worlds of culture, entertainment, business and politics purchased the 500 K – and at the same time enhanced their reputation with this vehicle. Presenting itself on the red carpet? One of the luxury car’s favourite pastimes.
The best of the best: The great effort that went into building the Special Roadster still amazes us today. Starting with the design. The bodywork with the large, elegantly curved wings and long bonnet was designed by stylist Friedrich Geiger. Today he would be called a designer. It gave the car the flair of the “Roaring Twenties”, which are still famous for their exuberance.
Cosseted: The interior is reminiscent of an elegant salon. The leather on the finely handcrafted seat upholstery and door panels almost “caresses” the driver and front passenger. Everything is colour-coordinated. The driver’s hands grip an ivory-coloured steering wheel. The eye is attracted to a dashboard with instruments that might have come from a watchmaker’s workshop.
Prestigious address: Many customers had individual wishes so the vehicles were produced as one-off examples under the direction of Hermann Ahrens in the special vehicle construction department at the Sindelfingen plant – the place to go for the best coachbuilding of the time. The “Sindelfingen bodywork” badge on the side of the Special Roadster is a testament of quality.
Top performer: Maximum effort was also expended beneath the bodywork. The M 29 supercharged engine of the 500 K is legendary. It delivers 74 kW (100 hp) and 118 kW (160 hp) with activated supercharger. The two-bladed Roots blower located upstream of the carburettor is activated by moving the accelerator pedal beyond a pressure point reached at the full throttle position (kickdown effect). This elicits the distinctive roar of the supercharger and the immediately noticeable increase in performance.
Innovation: The modern suspension of the 500 K, adopted from the Mercedes-Benz 380 (W 22), does full justice to the engine power. With its trapezoidal-link front axle and rear swing axle, the patented Daimler-Benz design was not only extremely progressive at the time, but quickly became a common feature of automotive engineering that is still valid today and used worldwide. The rear axle design allowed high speeds with excellent driving safety.
Additional space: The 500 K invites you to savour the details. What might the step on the rear mudguard be used for? Surprise – the Special Roadster is not a two-seater. The flap behind the interior opens up another bench seat, commonly known as the “mother-in-law’s seat”. The step makes entry easier.
Rarity: The 500 K was already rare in the 1930s. Only 342 examples of all body variants were produced between 1934 and 1936. It was immediately followed by the 540 K, whose engine had a larger displacement. Today both versions of the W 29 series are guaranteed top prices at auctions.
Manufacturer’s expert assessment: The Special Roadster in particular was so desirable that body shops from the 1950s onwards converted saloons or convertibles into “Special Roadsters” in the hope of increasing their value. Though of course, only original vehicles from Sindelfingen command the highest prices. The experts at Mercedes-Benz Classic can establish authenticity beyond any doubt.
