Mercedes-Benz 500K
The pinnacle of pre-war German luxury and Art Deco engineering.
- Power
- 160 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 16.5 s
- Top speed
- 99 mph
- Est. value
- $1.2m–$5.3m
About the Mercedes-Benz 500K
Introduced at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz 500K (W29) was a grand touring masterpiece designed to offer unparalleled luxury and performance. It featured a sophisticated straight-eight engine equipped with a Roots-type supercharger that engaged only when the accelerator was fully depressed, providing a surge of power for high-speed cruising. The 500K was technologically advanced for its time, boasting a fully independent suspension with a double-wishbone front axle and swing axles at the rear. While heavy, its opulent Sindelfingen coachwork and imposing presence made it a favourite among the global elite and a cornerstone of modern car collecting.
Mercedes-Benz 500K specs
The Mercedes-Benz 500K produces 160 bhp (119 kW). It reaches 60 mph in 16.5 seconds and has a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h).
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|
| Model | 500K |
| Trim | 5.0 |
| Years | 1934–1936 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | About 342 built |
| Engine | 5.0-litre supercharged straight-8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,018 cc (5.0 litres) |
| Induction | Supercharged |
| Power | 160 bhp (119 kW) at 3,400 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 16.5 s |
| Top speed | 99 mph (160 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 71 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Mercedes-Benz 500K worth?
A typical Mercedes-Benz 500K is estimated to be worth $1,200,000 – $5,300,000 (about £895,000 – £3,950,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Mercedes-Benz 500K rarity in CarSpot
The Mercedes-Benz 500K is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Mercedes-Benz 500K fun facts
- The 'K' in 500K stands for 'Kompressor', German for supercharger, which increased power from 100 hp to 160 hp when engaged.
- It was one of the first production cars to feature a fully independent suspension system, providing a level of comfort that was revolutionary in the 1930s.
- The most desirable variant, the Special Roadster, was priced at 26,000 Reichsmarks, roughly the cost of a luxury villa at the time.
