US man living in London explains why he drives a nearly 100-year-old car and what it's like on the road
Published on Feb 21, 2026 at 2:20 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Feb 19, 2026 at 9:00 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
A classic Mercedes from the pre-war car era still moving through London traffic sounds unlikely, but this 1938 Mercedes-Benz is doing exactly that.
A US man living in the city regularly drives his 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A on public roads.
The 100-year-old car runs without modern safety systems or electronic assistance.
Its history includes wartime abandonment, decades of restoration, and a routine that still places it among buses, taxis, and modern commuter traffic today.
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How a 100-year-old car survives London traffic
This 100-year-old car was built in 1938 as a Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A for an American buyer living in London.
The original order specified right-hand drive and miles per hour gauges, an uncommon setup for a classic Mercedes of the period.
As a pre-war car, it was engineered for long-distance travel rather than urban congestion.
The car’s early use ended abruptly during World War II.
The owner left the car in Italy while returning to England.
The car remained parked on public streets throughout the war and luckily avoided major damage.
After the conflict, an American soldier shipped the classic Benz to the United States.
The car entered private ownership in 1968 and has remained within the same family since.
Multiple restorations followed over the decades.
The most recent restoration finished in 2012, and returned the classic Mercedes to its original exterior and interior specification.
The work focused on maintaining period-correct operation rather than introducing updates.
What’s it like driving it through congested London streets?
Driving a 100-year-old car in London requires preparation.
The classic Mercedes uses unassisted steering and braking systems.
Braking distances are long, steering effort remains heavy, and visibility is limited.
Vintage driving relies on anticipating traffic movement rather than reacting to it.
Traffic introduces additional constraints because other drivers apparently often slow or hesitate when approaching the rolling time capsule.
Narrow streets and junctions also prove to be an obstacle.
But when driven carefully, its owner says the old car proves more than capable on busy city streets.
Taking it out on the road also plays a practical role in keeping a pre-war car operational.
Long-term storage often leads to mechanical failure.
Regular use keeps components active and systems functioning.
The owner treats the classic Mercedes as a vehicle intended for use rather than display.
There are, of course, some practicalities of driving a 100-year-old car that the owner says he has to take into consideration.
Cabin heat comes from the engine, road noise enters freely, and fuel consumption remains high.
But these characteristics align with expectations for classic Mercedes.
The car still attends public events, but road use remains routine.
So, if you’re in London, look out for this beauty on the road.
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Callum has vast and varied experience, presenting a radio show and founding his own magazine to name just a couple of his accolades. In addition to his role as PR & Partnerships Coordinator, liaising with the most prestigious car brands in the world, Callum also heads up the website’s daily news. When he's not at his desk he can be found testing out the ASMR and driving UX of the latest supercar and EV launches.
