The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.
The 1938 Mercedes-Benz 500K Cabriolet is a classic example of automotive excellence from an era of style and sophistication. Powered by a 5.0-liter, inline-eight engine that boasts a supercharger to deliver a jaw-dropping 160 horsepower, this car was engineered with precision performance in mind. The engine is paired with a four-speed manual transmission, which transfers all that power to the rear wheels.
The car's body is crafted from steel and aluminum, with attention to aerodynamic design that minimizes wind resistance while delivering an undeniable visual appeal. The car is adorned with a sleek, teardrop-shaped hood, flared fenders, and a curvaceous profile that make it an instant head-turner. The matte gray finish is a perfect complement to the car's overall design aesthetic.
Inside, the 500K Cabriolet is equally impressive, with spacious seating areas upholstered in soft, supple leather. The steering wheel is a work of art, with a wooden rim encircling a polished metal hub that houses the car's horn. The gauges on the instrument panel are simple, but effective, providing the driver with all the essential information they need to monitor the car's performance.
Other technical features of the car include hydraulic brakes, independent front suspension, and a live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, all of which contribute to the car's smooth handling and responsive driving experience. The car also features a hydraulic clutch, which enhances the car's overall feel and responsiveness when shifting gears.
Overall, the 1938 Mercedes-Benz 500K Cabriolet is a marvel of automotive engineering that celebrates the glory of the past while embodying the technological advancements of the present. It's a car that is sure to delight any car enthusiast, and a true testament to the artful craftsmanship and technical precision that define the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Milestones
- Introduced at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show as a successor to the Mercedes-Benz 380 - Powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter inline eight-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower - Offered in several body styles, including the Cabriolet A, B, C, and D - Featured a top speed of around 100 mph and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 12 seconds - Considered one of the most elegant and luxurious cars of its time, with custom coachwork by some of Europe's top designers - Only about 342 500Ks were produced between 1934 and 1936, making it rare and valuable today - Popular among high-profile figures like wealthy businessmen, politicians, and even Nazi officials, including Hitler himself - Today, original 500Ks are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch prices in the millions at auction.Technical
- Engine: a 5.0-liter supercharged inline-eight engine - Power output: 160 horsepower - Transmission: four-speed manual - Suspension: independent front suspension with coil springs and a swing-axle rear suspension with leaf springs - Brakes: hydraulic four-wheel drum brakes - Body style: two-door convertible (Cabriolet) - Top speed: 100 mph (160 km/h) - Wheelbase: 129 inches (3,274 mm) - Weight: approximately 4,630 pounds (2,100 kg) - Production years: 1934-1936 for the original 500K, 1936-1939 for the improved 500K and 540K models - Production numbers: approximately 342 total Cabriolet A, B and C models produced - Features: iconic styling with swooping fenders, chromed exhaust pipes, and a long, elegant hood, luxurious leather interior with wood trim and a folding convertible top.CLASSIC CAR MATCHER