The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Normal Roadster is a breathtaking monument to the era of supercharged luxury. As the successor to the legendary 380, the 500 K introduced a larger five-liter engine and the iconic external metal exhaust hoses that became a hallmark of the Kompressor models. This specific chassis, number 123692, is one of only five known surviving examples of the Normal Roadster coachwork by Sindelfingen. Its journey from delivery in Ceylon to winning the inaugural Mercedes-Benz Trophy at Pebble Beach underscores its status as one of the most significant performance-luxury automobiles in existence today.
Sindelfingen Artistry and Scarlet Refinement
The silhouette of the Normal Roadster is characterized by a flat one-piece windscreen and a traditional beltline, bearing a striking resemblance to the legendary SSK. This example recently underwent a high-level cosmetic refresh by Nostalgia Motors, featuring a flawless refinish in deep scarlet paint complemented by a new tan convertible soft-top. The brightwork has been meticulously re-plated to highlight the car’s sweeping lines and iconic radiator shell. Riding on period-correct blackwall tires, the car presents a formidable and elegant stance. Every detail, from the signature exhaust hoses to the Sindelfingen body stampings, reflects the peak of 1930s German coachbuilding excellence.
Mother-of-Pearl Detail and Tan Leather Luxury
Inside the cockpit, the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Normal Roadster offers a masterclass in pre-war opulence. The interior has been fully re-trimmed in premium tan leather with complementary carpets and a newly crafted steering wheel. A focal point of the recent restoration was the extensive correction of the dashboard, which now features exquisite mother-of-pearl inlays and reconditioned original instruments. New wiring and period-accurate knobs ensure that the cabin is as functional as it is beautiful. This environment served as a daily workspace for British socialite Lee Kennard for two decades, proving that even the most elite grand tourers possess a remarkable degree of usability.
Supercharged Five-Liter Power and Mechanical Precision
At the heart of this icon lies the matching-numbers 5.0-liter straight-eight engine, equipped with a Roots-type supercharger that engages under heavy throttle. This powerplant produces 160 hp / 162 PS and an estimated 250 lb-ft / 339 Nm of torque when the compressor is active. Recent mechanical sorting in excess of $475,000 has seen the supercharger and manifold serviced, the carburetors rebuilt, and the radiator re-cored. The braking system, including the wheel cylinders, has been entirely overhauled to ensure reliable stopping power for a car of this magnitude. On the road, the 500 K delivers a surge of torque and a mechanical symphony that remains unmatched in the vintage motoring world.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.0L Supercharged Straight-Eight |
| Chassis Number | 123692 |
| Curb Weight | Factory Benchmark: 5,070 lbs / 2,300 kg |
| 0-60 mph | Estimated 15.0 Seconds |
| Top Speed | Factory Benchmark: 100 mph |
| Coachwork | Sindelfingen Normal Roadster |
A Comparison of Pre-War Supercharged Giants
When examining the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Normal Roadster against its contemporaries, it stands alongside the Bugatti Type 57 and the Bentley 4½ Litre Supercharged. While the Bugatti offers delicate French artistry and the Bentley provides rugged British strength, the 500 K represents the pinnacle of German engineering and luxury. Its unique selling point is the combination of the Kompressor engine and the sheer rarity of the Normal Roadster body style, with only five examples known to exist. For collectors, the 500 K provides a level of presence and historical gravity that few other pre-war automobiles can ever hope to match.
Investment Potential and Provenance
The value of a 500 K is rooted in its authenticity and documented history, both of which this example possesses in abundance. With a provenance that includes a long-term enthusiast owner, television appearances, and major awards from Pebble Beach to Amelia Island, its place in the automotive hierarchy is secure. The massive recent investment in restoration means the car is currently in turn-key condition for the world’s most prestigious concours events. As a matching-numbers example of one of Sindelfingen’s rarest creations, this 500 K is not just a vehicle, but a blue-chip asset poised for continued appreciation within the most distinguished global collections.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
