Mercedes-Benz holds a special place in the history of motordom. Featured alongside the Malaysian launch of the W213 E-Class yesterday was a showcase of six classic Mercedes cars. The heritage display included some vehicles from the Sultan of Johor’s collection, one of which was a 540 K Special Roadster from 1939.
The highlight of the entire display, it’s apparently the first public appearance for the particular 540 K SR, which is a very special car. Only 25 examples were built, and this one is believed to be the only known right-hand-drive version.
Also on show was a 1955 190 SL, a striking two-door luxury roadster that was seen as a more affordable alternative to the 300 SL back in the day. Open-tops dominated proceedings – there was also a two-door 1956 220 S Ponton Cabriolet and a four-door, four-seater 1937 320 Cabriolet D to be seen.
Rounding off the showcase was a 1972 280 E 3.5 Coupe, a limited-edition, hand-built vehicle based on a W111 unibody chassis, and a 1963 280 SL. The Pagoda needs no introduction to fans of classic cars, and the particular W113 two-seater is a fine example of the type.
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That 540 k sr is really special indeed. To imagine that the car was built during the years Adolf Hitler was in power, and to survive the world war 2 with the japanese occupation, it is a really special and lucky car.
Hitler-mobile takde ke?
Thank you Paul Tan and team for always giving us the latest information on cars!
Was there at the launch yesterday at St Regis but the 1955’s 190SL was the center of my attention rather the new E. :p
Wish I can get a fully restored 190SL.
once upon a time, having automatic is like a glory