1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K swings into Bonhams auction at $3.3m

A 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540k Cabriolet owned by the proprietor of one of Paris' swinging jazz clubs will cause a stir at Bonhams' July 12 auction at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.

Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet
The car was parked outside Le Roulotte, while the likes of Django Reinhardt entertained inside



The ultra-rare car was one of just 10 cars built to its exact specification, boasting a more powerful 5.4-litre engine and the traditional body style. It is expected to sell for between $2.4m-3.3m.

Bought from new in 1936 by the owner of Le Roulotte, a jazz bar frequented by the likes of Edith Piaf and Django Reinhardt, the Mercedes-Benz remained in his possession until 2007.

To this day, it has never left French soil, but received a full restoration at the hands of its second owner, including rebuilds of the engine, gearbox, axles, brakes, suspension and starter.

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