From a $10 million Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster to an affordable 1960s-era Dodge Dart, an automotive treasure is often defined by the joy it brings rather than the price it commands. We’ve compiled a list of 10 affordable classic cars, many of which can be found – in running and presentable condition – for less than $10,000. 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K. The road leading to the 540K included the 3.8-liter Mercedes-Benz 380 of 1932, having both the appearance and the supercharger ('K' represented Kompressor). Instrumental in development was Dr. Hans Nibel, who served as chief engineer for Benz prior to the merger with Daimler and who succeeded Ferdinand Porsche on his 1935 Duesenberg Model J Mormon Meteor Speedster, 1936–39 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster, 1929–31 Bentley 4½ Litre Supercharged. Investment Grade: A. This car, Lot 35, sold for $22,000,000, including buyer’s premium, at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach Auction on August 24, 2018. The story of how a brash young salesman named Errett 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV adds range without adding to price. Viknesh Vijayenthiran - Editor December 29, 2023 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster heads to auction. Viknesh Vijayenthiran 5. 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster - $9.9 Million. This one-of-thirteen Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster is not just one of the most desirable collector Mercedes-Benz cars, but one of the most highly-coveted classics in automotive history, period. With nicely detailed documentation, this gorgeous red roadster sold for $9.9 million Original List Price: 15,250 RM ($3,812 approx.) Tune Up Cost: $500: Chassis Number Location: being the only serious rival to the Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Class I: Mercedes-Benz Prewar. 1st Place: 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier – The Keller Collection at The Pyramids, Petaluma, California. 2nd Place: 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster – Richard & Melanie Lundquist, Palos Verdes Estates, California. 3rd Place: 1927 Mercedes-Benz SS Armbruster Cabriolet – The Keller Collection The Mercedes-Benz was voted Best of Show after facing stiff competition from the likes of a 1930 Mercedes-Benz 710 SS Special Roadster, 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Figoni Cabriolet, and 1939 Delahaye 1… 1937 Mercedes Benz 540K Spezial Roadster that RM Auctions sold for $9.7 million in 2011 would be $12.6 million today. The listing also excludes non-traditional auctions, e.g. a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione Clienti sold for a reported $12 million a the Rick Cole online auction during Monterey week 2014. 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster presented by Jim Patterson of the Patterson Collection. 1930 Mercedes-Benz 710 SS Special Roadster shown by Auriga 5m6z.