The Mercedes-Benz 540K must be one of the most copied and cloned historic cars ever made. The variety of kit cars, from pathetic home-built models to ornate custom builds that get shockingly close to the real thing, there’s seemingly always another iteration out there offering enthusiasts a far more affordable option for feigned opulence. This is a replica of the smaller 500K, which is named for the actress who asked Mercedes-Benz to build her an alternative to the larger 540K. Find the “Marlene” here on eBay with bids to $16,000 and the reserve unmet.
The Marlene was built by Classic Roadsters in Fargo, ND, and they seemingly didn’t skimp on the quality build components. One of the my biggest gripes with some of these kit car is in regards to how awful the interiors are: poor-fitting components; low quality materials; no sound deadening; and a dashboard that looks like it was designed by kindergartners. This 500K replica has no such issues, instead looking quite polished inside with a clean dash design and nicely finished seats and door panels.
The Marlene also benefits from a respectable powerplant, featuring a Ford-derived 302 V8 paired to a C4 automatic transmission. This is another advantage to a Marlene, as it comes standard with a drivetrain that makes good power and is easy to service, two features that aren’t necessarily a guarantee when shopping replicas. The seller notes this example has been recently serviced and fitted with a new aluminum radiator and alternator.
That is perhaps one of the biggest upsides to a replica like this, which is that of the straightforward servicing. The mechanical components can almost all be bought at your local NAPA store, making basic maintenance and repairs a breeze despite the one-off nature of a car like this. There are certainly other Marlenes out there, so it’s not a true one-off, but it’s safe to say there aren’t many. To have this sort of exclusivity coupled with the ease of maintenance a replica roadster like this is a win-win for any neoclassical car fans out there.
This has got to be one of the nicest replicas Ive seen. The color combination is beautiful. You can just tell by the photos the materials used in the interior are truly top notch. This looks like it was very well cared for. Hope it goes to a good home.
I am really liking this car.
If you can’t succeed at being a “Movie Star”,
you can at least, drive like one.
Well at least it doesn’t have a VW drivetrain like so many replicas do. This one appears to be a very drivable and lovable car. Admittedly I know nothing about them, never even heard of one before reading this story, but it sure looks cool.
God Bless America
I m sure I am like most B/F readers, I don’t have anything good to say about these wanna bees. However this car isn’t the worst I have ever seen, It appears much better than most. Do I want to own it and drive it? NO
I would love to have it as it is quite a beauty.
I would love to have it as it is quite a beauty. But there is no room to put my grandkids.
It just doesn’t have that Zsa Zsa sensibility about it. And that’s a good thing.
I’m in Arizona and as far as I can tell, this guy has at least 3 or 4 different eBay accounts. Make of that what you will. Personally I’d be careful. I don’t know why eBay permits this.
SOLD for $21,995.
They say that pimpin’ ain’t easy but I have to believe it would be a lot easier if you had a ride like this.