Mercedes-Benz introduced the 540K in 1936. Also known as the W29, the 540K was one of the company's most prestigious models. As the successor to the famed 500K, the 540K surpassed the previous model in power and prestige. A series of grand tourers, 540Ks were offered in a variety of open top and hard top variants. As was common at the time, the chassis and drivetrain was sold on its own to be bodied by coachbuilders. The 540 K was powered by a supercharged 5.4L straight eight engine which when engaged produced a top output of 180hp. Due to WW2, the 540K chassis ended production in 1940, but the already built chassis continued to be bodied and final production ended in 1943.