Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet W142 — 1939

The current owner purchased this Mercedes in 1961 as a rolling restoration project. Two years earlier, he had already bought a similar 320 model, but it was in much worse condition. The current car, with chassis number 435177, became the one to be restored using parts from 421094. The previous owner of 435177 (the car now being sold) purchased it from an estate owner in Södermanland in 1956. It had already traveled 110 000 km at that time. Subsequently, the owner drove it for another 50 000 trouble-free km. The price when the current owner bought the car in 1961 was 1,600 SEK. This included some spare parts that were later used to keep the car running and for the subsequent restoration. The Mercedes was used for a few years in the 1960s while waiting for the time and finances for restoration. It was also used for business trips on several occasions. During one of these trips, the owner pushed the large car to an impressive 110 km/h, slightly below the specified cruising speed of 118 km/h in direct gear (Dauergeschwindigkeit) and 126 km/h in overdrive (Schnellgang).

The restoration progressed over a span of 10 years. The mechanics and bodywork were inspected and restored where necessary. When it was time for the interior, the task was entrusted to a local upholstery company. The original leather upholstery turned out to be too deteriorated to salvage. A phone call from the upholsterer came when only the owner's wife was home. He explained the advantages and disadvantages of replacing the upholstery with artificial leather instead of the much more expensive genuine leather. At that moment, it was considered a good choice, although doubts arose later. But it turned out to be visually appealing. The cars built after the outbreak of the war in 1939 were actually delivered with artificial leather instead of genuine leather, so it was almost the right choice.

In August 1974, the restoration was mostly complete, and it was time for the registration inspection, which it passed without any remarks. The spare parts car was sold to southern Sweden a few years later and has since left the country.

This particular car was first registered on April 1, 1940. It likely remained with the car dealer Förenade Bil in Malmö for a year due to the war. On April 4, 1941, it was registered to Skandinaviska Eternit Aktiebolaget in Lomma. A gas generator was installed in the autumn of 1942, but in late autumn 1945, it was converted back to gasoline operation. In May 1948, the Mercedes was registered at an address in Stockholm. The buyer was the CEO of several real estate companies that included several large estates/farms. This person sold the car to a private individual in Stockholm, who later sold it to the current owner.

According to research by a knowledgeable Mercedes enthusiast, this rolling chassis was produced in a group of 600 units in the second half of 1938. The body production was mainly carried out in Sindelfingen.

This particular car is equipped with features such as dual external spare wheels, a split-opening windshield, a manual four-speed gearbox with overdrive, a lined convertible top, exterior turn signals supplemented with additional rear lights with blinkers and reverse lights, and external rearview mirrors.

• Zustand technisch

  The car has been started up after several years of standing still. The fuel pump has been checked and the brakes as well, in order to move the car under its own power. A more thorough inspection should be carried out before it is put into traffic.

• Zustand Interieur

  Good condition after being reupholstered. Not in the original design, but well done. The upholstery is made of synthetic leather/vinyl. There is a small damage on the driver's seat, see picture.

• Zustand Exterieur

  In good condition with minor signs of use. Chrome in used condition, not renovated. Front right bumper part slightly damaged as well as the rear bumper. Soft top in good condition.

• Zustand gesamt

  A good car that was renovated 49 years ago but has been well-maintained. It is not entirely in its original condition as it was renovated according to the standards of the time. Advice for the new owner: Make sure it functions properly but keep it in its very pleasant condition of use."

Fordonsstatus: Itrafik 1992-10-09 (Konvert)
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1974-08-29 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1974-08-29
Senast godkända besiktning: -
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 2

Mercedes 320 was produced between 1937 and 1942. Towards the end of 1938, the six-cylinder side-valve engine had its displacement increased from 3208 cc to 3405 cc. This was due to poor fuel quality, which was compensated for by a larger engine displacement. This particular car is equipped with a manual gearbox and overdrive (Schnellgang). The Mercedes 320 offered several body options, including the highly exclusive A-cab, which was a two-seater cabriolet, and the B-cab for those who needed seating for more passengers but still wanted the option to travel with the top down. There were also several variants of four-door limousines/sedans. Some models were specifically adapted for military use.
Over 5,000 units were built in the 320 series, with just under 1,000 of them featuring the larger 3405 cc engine.

Location: Enköping

For viewing the vehicle, contact the valuator/depot:

Johan Ålander
+46 705-80 91 17
johan@bilwebauctions.se

Collection must take place before: 2023-06-07.

NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.