Replica Classic Roadsters 500K from 1993
License plate: L20 VVV
Chassis number: MAR11/0066
Engine number: 2732/105589
• A tribute to one of the most desirable high-performance cars of the 30s
• 5.0L V8 engine
• Automatic transmission
• Owned since 2020

The legendary Mercedes-Benz 500K supercar, a sensation at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show, cost a small fortune when new. Today, such is its rarity, an original example can be purchased for millions of dollars. The 30s were a period of unprecedented fecundity in car design, of which the sublime 500K was the absolute pinnacle. Its timeless appeal endures to this day.

The 500K, which featured an ingenious independent rear suspension with swing axles, was designed by engineer Hans Nibel, who had joined Benz in the early 20th century. The supercharged road cars of the 30s are a wonderful tribute to his engineering prowess. Along with its successor, the 540K, the magnificent Mercedes-Benz 500K was perhaps the most remarkable production model offered by the Stuttgart-based company in the 30s. The 500K was powered by a 5018 cc supercharged inline eight-cylinder engine with overhead valves, featuring Mercedes' famous Roots supercharger system. With this system, fully depressing the accelerator pedal simultaneously engaged the compressor and shut off the alternative atmospheric air supply to the carburetor. This system had been thoroughly proven in the preceding S-Type series, designed by Dr. Porsche, and in fact the 500/540K was the last supercharged production Mercedes until relatively recently.

Fortunately for those who can't afford the original, in the case of the 500K—and many other long-gone exotic cars—there's enough interest to support a thriving replica industry. It's unknown which manufacturer was responsible for this 500K replica, but online research suggests the bodywork is similar to that of Classic Roadsters from North Dakota. The vehicle registration document (V5C) lists the car as a "kit/conversion - assembled from parts that may not all be new" and is registered as a "Mercedes Sports." The engine size is listed as 4.950cc. The car also comes with two expired MOTs and various invoices for parts, etc., from Superspoke Ltd of Hanley Castle, Worcestershire, dating back to 2015, totaling approximately £13.575.