Mercedes-Benz 540K
| Mercedes-Benz 540K | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Production | 1936–1940 (chassis -- last bodies completed in 1944) |
| Assembly | Untertürkheim factory, Sindelfingen, Germany |
| Designer | Friedrich Geiger |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | two seater cabriolet four seater coupé seven seater limousine |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 5,401 cc straight-8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed or optional 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,980 mm (117.3 in) (SWB) 3,290 mm (129.5 in) (Normal) 3,880 mm (152.8 in) (Special) |
| Curb weight | Up to 2,700 kg (6,000 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz 500K |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz 580K (Prototype only) |
Mercedes-Benz 540K (type W24) is a car built by the German firm Mercedes-Benz from 1935 to 1940.
Introduced at the 1936 Paris Motor Show, the Friedrich Geiger designed car was a development to the 500K, itself a development of the SSK. Available as a two-seater cabriolet, four seater coupé or seven seater limousine with armoured sides and armoured glass, it was one of the largest cars of the time.
The straight-8 cylinder engine of the 500K was enlarged in displacement to 5,401 cubic centimetres (329.6 cu in), It was fed by twin pressurized updraft carburetors, developing a 115 hp (86 kW). In addition, there was an attached Roots supercharger, which could either be engaged manually for short periods, or automatically when the accelerator was pushed fully to the floor. This increased power to 180 hp (130 kW), enabling a top speed of 170 kilometres per hour (110 mph).
Power was sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed or optional five speed manual gearbox that featured synchromesh on the top three gears. Vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes kept the car under the driver's control.
The 540K had the same chassis layout at the 500K, but was significantly lightened by replacing the girder-like frame of the 500K with oval-section tubes - an influence of the Silver Arrows racing campaign.
To meet individual wishes of customers, three chassis variants were available as for the 500K: two long versions with a 3,290 mm (130 in) wheelbase, differing in terms of powertrain and bodywork layout; and a short version with 2,980 mm (117 in). The long variant, termed the normal chassis with the radiator directly above the front axle, served as the backbone for the four-seater cabriolets, the 'B' (with four side windows) and 'C' (with two side windows), and for touring cars and sedans. The shorter chassis was for the two-seater cabriolet 'A,' set up on a chassis on which radiator, engine, cockpit and all rearward modules were moved 185 mm (7.3 in) back from the front axle.
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Wikipedia