A 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500k will be offered at no reserve in Bonhams' auction at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in a bid to raise money for charity.
 The 500k was the top model of the 1930s until it was replaced by the 540k - this car shares the best attributes of both |
The car, a unique variant of the marque's top of the line model of the 1930s, has been donated to benefit the Swedish Cancer Society and the Swedish Alzheimer's Foundation. It is estimated to bring around $4.8m in the July 12 sale in Stuttgart.
A stunning 1936 540K saw an impressive $11.7m at the illustrious Pebble Beach Concours in 2012, making it one of the most valuable cars ever to cross the block.
The 500k is a unique example, built to the highest standard with exclusive coachwork and an eight-cylinder supercharger engine capable of reaching 160kph.
Following the release of the improved 540K it was returned to the factory and fitted with a larger 5.4-litre engine, as well as all the aesthetics of the new model.
It has been in a private Scandinavian collection since it was discovered by in the 1970s, and has had only one owner for the last 40 years.
A 1936 540K with a swinging Parisian history will also feature in the July 12 sale, as well as a Gullwing driven by Stirling Moss.
The market for Mercedes has rocketed recently following Bonhams' sale of Juan Fangio's W196 at Goodwood last July. The Mercedes-dedicated sale is the first of its kind held by Bonhams and will provide an excellent indicator of the continuing health of the market.
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