Become a premium member for just $10 your first year - deal ends December 31.

Car Of The Day: 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier

Car Of The Day: 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier

When introduced, the Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier was applauded not only for its long, sweeping hood and aerodynamic design, echoing the legendary Silver Arrow Grand Prix cars, but also for its advanced engineering and superlative performance. Autobahn Kurier means “Highway Kurier” and references a period of German excellence beginning in the 1920s that culminated in the construction of the famous network of motorways. Mercedes made only two 540K Autobahn Kuriers, and this is the only one still in existence and still sporting its original equipment.

Car Of The Day: 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier | © BMWBLOG

This 540K won the Best in Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2021 beating out the likes of 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Corsica Drophead Coupé; the 1966 Ferrari 365 P Pininfarina Berlinetta Speciale, and 1956 Maserati A6G Zagato Coupé.

 Car Of The Day: 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier | © Pebble Beach Concours