The Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance was held on the September 15:th. If you have not heard the results, the Best of Show, as well as the People’s Choice was 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet; Outstanding Pre-War was 1917 Locomobile 48 Type M Series 7: and the outstanding Post-War was 1954 Siata 200CS.  All above mentioned also won their classes in the competition.

2019 Winners of Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance2019 Best of show -1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet 2019 Outstanding Post-War - 1954 Siata 200CS and 2019 Outstanding Pre-War - 1917 Locomobile 48 Type M Series 7

What is even more interesting is the stories these cars have.  There is courage, intrigue, glamour and so much more, if these cars could only talk!  I am going to take you to three different journeys, featuring these vehicles, Starting with the Mercedes-Benz.

The Mercedes-Benz 540 K was introduced at 1936 Paris Motor Show, as a successor to the 500K, which itself was based on the SSK model.  Between 1936 and 1939 there were total of 406 540 K models built, and out of these there were total of 29 chassis only.  17 of these were shipped outside Germany, including this vehicle which was shipped to Sweden to Norrmalm Coachbuilders (Karosseria Kiebolaget Norrmalm). 

     The 540K has a 5,401 cc (329,6 cid) straight 8, with twin pressurized updraft carburetors, producing 115 hp.  It also has a Roots Supercharger, which can be engaged manually for short period or automatically by pushing accelerator all the way increasing power to 180hp, enabling top speed of 170 km/h.  Considering that the car tips the scales at 3,400 lbs, the top speed is pretty good.  British Autocar magazine tested the 540K and 0 to 60 mph was covered in 15.5 seconds. The test driver admitted that when the supercharger kicked in, he could hear the “most demonic howl he has ever heard, being also very distinctive to Mercedes and especially to this car. The 540K had  four or five speed manual transmission, with top three gears synchro meshed. Slowing and stopping was handled with Vacuum assisted 4 wheel hydraulic drum breaks.

     Griffith Borgeson, one of the world’s preeminent automotive historians described the 540K as “ There is harmony and balance of line and mass…Which very simply defies any conceivable improvement. They are sculptural perfection…”

     This is the only Mercedes-Benz 540K with Norrmalm coach work. It was designed by Johan Oscar Olbager, who was the chief of design. With the need to integrate heavy top and its structure with clean lines, he used very innovative techniques for the time.  The coachwork was designed to cope with the harsh roads and snowy winters.  It has two batteries and oversized fuel tank for extended range of travel.  It also features Marchal headlights, spot light and running lights.  The original owner of the car, Mr Max Gumpel was known to be rather flamboyant individual, so the front seat was designed for three people, driver and two ladies, as the legend has it.  The hood ornament is over sized mascot of nude goddess Diana with her bow shooting an arrow into the sky. The car was delivered to Max Gumpel on the 30 th September 1937 and the coachwork was completed and the car was registered on 04 March 1938. Car was put up during the World War II, when there was very little gasoline available, and it also received  a special “non-conscription order” allowing the car to remain with Max and not to be conscripted to Swedish Army.

     As I mentioned, Mr Gumpel was a rather flamboyant individual.  He was born in a rich family and was very successful building contractor. He represented Sweden in 1908 Olympics  and at 1912 and 1920 Summer Olympics winning silver and gold medal respectively in Water Polo.  Gumpel had  a short relationship with Greta Garbo, before she moved to Hollywood. They were close friends for the rest of their lives and she was a frequent guest of Gumpel’s when visiting Sweden. During World War II Mr.Gumpel was involved in espionage with his friend Eric Erickson. With their help, the allied powers obtained exact locations of Germany’s petroleum refineries and then bomb them from the air.

https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1938-MERCEDES-BENZ-NORRMALM-CABRIOLET-22752

https://www.classicdriver.com/en/car/mercedes-benz/540-k/1938/380391

https://www.conceptcarz.com/profile/24506,9097/Mercedes-Benz-540K.aspx

https://www.coachbuild.com/forum/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Gumpel