Mercedes-Benz released the 540 K as the glamorous successor to the 500 K model in 1936. A vehicle of remarkable quality and solid engineering, the model quickly became known as one of the most prestigious automobiles of the era. Only 419 chassis were built, and like many luxury automobiles of the day, many were fitted with custom bodywork designed to their owner’s specifications. While most were bodied by Sindelfingen, the in-house coachbuilder of Mercedes-Benz, owners seeking extra distinction elected to send chassis to external coachbuilders. 

One of only twelve 540 K chassis bodied by the prestigious Berlin coachbuilder Erdmann & Rossi, this 540 K was owned by wealthy American socialite Barbara Hutton, heiress of the fortune of the F.W. Woolworth Company. It was built to Hutton’s exact specifications, with fully skirted fenders, custom wheel covers, and a set of false exhaust pipes added to the left side of the hood for symmetry. Hutton requested a bespoke four-seat layout, in place of the standard two, as she reportedly did not drive and preferred not to sit next to a chauffeur.