1981 - ACA

Sbarro 540K -1981

The Mercedes 540 K, 409 of which were built between 1936 and 1939, represented the pinnacle of motoring at the time. Only Bugatti could rival it, which is an understatement. Today, this car has become the dream of every wealthy collector, and reaches new heights at auction.

The lines of one of the most beautiful cars of the 1930s are perfectly rendered in this replica built by Sbarro.

Quality and realism

Franco Sbarro created a replica of this formidable automobile on the initiative of Pit Brune, a German industrialist. Such is the quality of the workmanship and construction that Daimler-Benz is said to have granted Sbarro permission to use the official three-pointed star. This is a rare privilege, which speaks volumes about the quality of the car.

The picture is a perfect reproduction of the 540K. You'd be mistaken.

Timeless elegance

Admire the dashboard. If it weren't for the Sbarro logo in the center of the steering wheel, few would be able to tell the difference from the original. All the dashboard instruments have been identically restored by a firm specializing in precision mechanics. Attention to detail led Sbarro to seek out the original tools used to manufacture the headlights. These accessories could be used as they are in the restoration of a "real" 540 K.
Simply magnificent, even with the hood up.

Hidden modernity

Of course, the mechanics are not vintage. To remain true to the brand and retain a certain authenticity, the engine comes from a Mercedes 500 SE. It's a 240 hp V8. For homologation reasons, the hood opens differently from the original. The chassis is based on that of a 300 SEL 6.3 and an S-Class. The body is made of polyester and fiberglass. The soft top is electric.
Performance is high for this type of body: 220 km/h, 40 km/h faster than the original. Four disc brakes stop the car. Transmission is by automatic gearbox. In keeping with the spirit of the 540 K, the gearshift lever is a faithful copy of the 30s car.
Photograph from the Unicorn catalog.

One of the most beautiful Sbarros

Nine Sbarro 540 Ks were built between 1981 and 1985. The owners certainly have one of the finest automobiles designed by Franco Sbarro. Not only is the car superb, but the build quality is astonishing. The 540 K certainly helped establish Franco Sbarro's reputation in the '80s.
In brief
1- One of Franco Sbarro's finest creations
2- Exceptional build quality
3- Modern mechanics
Main sources
1- book "Franco Sbarro / concept cars" by Fabian Sbarro
2- brochures Sbarro 540K & Unicorn
3- various articles from period magazines, including AutoJournal
4-book "Autombyobiles extraordinaires"  Peter Vann
  • Mercedes 500 eight-cylinder V engine
  • Engine in front longitudinal position
  • Displacement: 0000 cm3
  • 230 horsepower
  • Automatic transmission
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Four disc brakes, ABS
  • Polyester and fiberglass bodywork
  • ength 5.25m