Mercedes-Benz 500K

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The Mercedes-Benz 500K (W29) was a luxury grand touring car built by Mercedes-Benz from 1934 to 1936 in Germany. The “K” stands for Kompressor, the supercharger. It followed the 380 and offered more power and upscale coachwork to satisfy demand for greater luxury and performance. It debuted at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show.

Engineering and design
The 500K used the same advanced independent suspension as the 380, with a double wishbone front axle and a rear swing-axle, plus a precise wheel location, coil springs, and damping. This made it smoother and easier to handle than earlier Mercedes roadsters. Three different chassis and eight body styles were available. The short wheelbase A chassis was 2,980 mm (117.3 in) and powered two-seat models like the Motorway Courier and the 1936 Special Roadster. The longer B and C chassis measured 3,290 mm (129.5 in) and were used for four-seat cabriolets, which would also appear on other Mercedes sedans and tourers.

Engine and performance
The 500K had a 5,018 cc inline-8 engine with a Roots supercharger. It produced up to 160 hp (120 kW) and could reach over 160 km/h (100 mph). Fuel use was relatively high for the time, about 30 L/100 km.

Transmission and equipment
A four-speed manual transmission was standard, with an optional five-speed manual. Features included safety glass, hydraulic brakes, and a 12-volt electrical system to power electric windscreen wipers, door locks, and indicators.

Production and legacy
Across its two-year run, the 500K delivered 342 cars, including 29 Special Roadsters. Its successor, the 540K, built at Sindelfingen, followed with 419 cars. The 500K’s blend of power, comfort, and advanced engineering made it popular among luxury buyers of the era, including a growing number of well-heeled female drivers.