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The "K" series was first debuted by Mercedes-Benz in 1924. It was considered the marque's first classic automobile. It was produced until 1927 when the Model S was introduced. The 500K series was first offered in 1932. The model's designation comes straight from the engine, what this car was all about. Engine displacement is in deciliters. 5,018 cubic centimeters = 5 liters, or 500 deciliters. This equals 304.2 cubic inches The "K" comes from Kompressor, or supercharger. The car was built by Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft Stuttgart-Unterturkheim, Germany with a body by Sindelfingen. The price tag was $10,780.
This is one of four models of the 1936 500K, from CMC, issued in May 2001. Reissued in Zinc Yellow, Red, Black and Ivory, all with genuine Beige leather interiors, they are absolutely stunning! The model boasts fantastic detail in all but two minor areas, the chassis as seen from underneath the model and the lack of individually formed wipers. That aside, the diecast is nearly as first rate as the real car. The fit and finish is superb. The doors snap shut with extreme precision. The engine is wired and enclosed by a gorgeous screen meshed hood, long and flowing. The photoetched grille and radiator emblem are only surpassed by the beauty of the photoetched wheels. The passenger's cabin is awash in detail. The gauges are replicated perfectly and the shift pattern can be easily seen on the shift knob. Considered by many enthusiasts to be one of the world's most beautiful automobiles, CMC's 1:24th beauty helps us to clearly understand why.
This model is made using the original CMC tooling from the previously discontinued 500K models by a maker whose brand name is Vanbo and are being produced for Mercedes-Benz Classic. Photo courtesy of Bruno Santarelli.
(05/14/2001)
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