As production of the 500 K came to an end during 1936, it was succeeded by the latest and greatest Mercedes-Benz model, the 540 K—which, as the name suggested, sported an enlarged 5.4-liter engine.

With this new supercharged engine, the eight-cylinder Mercedes-Benz was swifter than ever, offering 180 brake horsepower with the blower engaged and the signature accompanying shrill banshee wail.

It continued to be offered in various attractive body styles produced by the factory coachbuilding shops at Sindelfingen.

Over the run of 540 K production, the sporting two-door cabriolet offerings would each be produced in three distinct series, each with their own special features matching evolving European styling trends.

The two-passenger Cabriolet A in its first-series form borrowed essentially the same body as the 500 K, with a set-back radiator shell as on the famed Special Roadsters, very attractive low windshield, and long, flowing front fenders, initially open and then with very subtl...