Mercedes-Benz 540KThe great 54OK was essentially a larger-engined version of the 500K (a 1934 example of which is shown here); engine size was increased to cope better with the heavy chassis and ornate bodywork. Both types shared the same mechanical make-up and the same range of bodies, which ran from solid conservative cabriolet styles to the exotic and rare Special Roadster with its far more flowing lines. They represented perfectly the self-confident mood of Nazy Germany but, independent rear suspension aside, proved an evolutionary dead-end with features like their clutched-in superchargers never repeated.
Specification
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K
ENGINE
Type: inline eight-cylinder, overhead-valve
Construction: monobloc with cast-iron block and
head, nine main bearings, statically
and dynamically balanced
Bore * stroke: 88 mm * 111 mm
Displacement: 5410 cc
Compression ratio: 6.13:1
Valve gear: two valves per cylinder, operated by single block-mounted camshaft via pushrods and rockers
Fuel system: single l\/lercedes-Benz updraught carburettor and roots-type supercharger with clutch
engagement
Ignition: dual mechanical, by coil and distributor
Maximum power: 115 bhp norma||y-aspirated;180 bhp with supercharger engaged
TRANSMISSION
Type: four-speed manual with preselector change on third and fourth gears
Ratios: 1st 3.89:1
2nd 2.27:1
3rd 1.419:1
4 th 1.00:1
Final drive ratio: 3.03:1
BODY/CHASSISType: steel box-frame chassis with five
cross-members; coachbuilt bodies
in various styles
RUNNING GEAR
Steering: worm and nut with separate linkage to each front wheel
Suspension: front: independent with upper and lower wishbones, coil springs and hydraulic dampers
rear: independent with swing-axles, trailing arms, twin coil springs per side and hydraulic dampers
Brakes: Lockheed hydraulic drums all round, servo-assisted
Wheels: centre-lock wire
Tyres: Dunlop heavy-duty, 7 in * 17 in
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length: 207.0 in (5258 mm)
Width: 75.0 in (1905 mm)
Wheelbase: 129.5 in (3289 mm)
Track: 59.5 in (1511 mm) front, 58.8 in (14194 mm) rear
Kerb weight: various, according to bodywork;
5,798 lb (2629 kg) typical
PERFORMANCE
Acceleration: 0-60 mph 16.4 sec
Maximum speed: 105 mph (169 km/h) Terminal speed after
flying 1/4 mile: 101 mph (163 km/h)
Overall fuel consumption: 11 mpg
