Countless amazing stories run alongside the legends of great cars. Anything or anyone that has touched this mythic realm whether by chance or merit carries captivating tales often embellished or partly fictional.
This is true for one of the most stunning and iconic cars ever made, a flagship of automotive history, the Mercedes Benz 500K.
Unreachable then and still rare today, the 500K was the ultimate symbol of 1930s German luxury in various body styles and the forerunner to the legendary 540K.
Known internally as W29, it housed a refined five-liter straight-eight engine with a pedal-operated Roots supercharger delivering around 160 horsepower, allowing speeds over 160 km/h – remarkable for a touring car and perfect for the new Reich Autobahns.
Offered in multiple body types – closed or open, two or four doors, different seating arrangements – it was priced more like a Berlin mansion than a car.
Though similar at first glance, each was handcrafted with unique details for discerning clients who prized exclusivity.
The rarest and most mysterious 500K was a one-off commissioned for famed racer Rudolf Caracciola in 1935, an elegant coupe called the “Roadster Limousine,” painted dark brown with matching leather and a raised roof to suit Caracciola’s tall frame.
