1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K

Introduced at the 1936 Paris Motor Show, the Freidrich Geiger designed car was a development of the 500K, itself a development of the SSK. Available as a two-seater cabriolet, four-seater coupe or seven-seater limousine with armoured sides and armoured glass, it was one of the largest cars of the time.

The Model was originally built for German Army officials, German socialites and a few Hollywood stars, as they were amongst the few who could afford the $12,000.US Dollars, jaw-dropping price. They cost three times the price of a Rolls Royce. The 540 stands for 5.4 liters; K stands for Kompressor (super-charged).

At a time when most luxury automobiles were supplied as rolling chassis to coachbuilders of their new owner’s choice, Mercedes-Benz created the body designs for its premier models in-house and build them in the extensive facilities at their Sindelfingen factory.

Luckily, Thoroughbred Coach Motors began producing replicas like this beautiful example which was produced in 1999. It has all the features the original one had.

This beautiful convertible features a 1975/6 G.M. 350 V-8, 350 Turbo automatic, Ford rear end,   Diamond Back wide whitewall tires with 95% tread, 6 real wire wheels and dual mounted spares with covers on pontoon fenders, power steering, power windows, AM/FM/CD, suicide doors, faux mother of pearl dash, console and door inserts, extended Mustang II frame, a Rochester quadra-jet carbuerator & mild Edelbrock cam, front disc/rear drum brakes. Rack & pinion steering, side supercharger pipes and glasspacks, center spotlight and 4 trumpet horns and lots more! The car has been kept in a garage and only has 11,000 miles on it with no accidents or damage.

Branson Auto Museum was conceived in August of 2007 and opened on May 15, 2009. Partners in the Museum,knew that the Branson area was hungry for car and automotive related things to do. Branson Auto Museum was originally scheduled to go into a purpose built 20,000 sq. ft. building on the Strip. When the partners discovered that the former crafts mall the "Engler Block" was available, they knew it would be the perfect fit for what they were planning. The buiding is layed out in sections that wander through the building which is the ideal setting for a museum. The charm and character of the building also lends itself nicely to a museum.