- A fascinating, important and rare pre-war Mercedes-Benz
- Striking and well-preserved original Sindelfingen coachwork
- Elegantly appointed with multiple accessories
- Long 129-inch wheelbase shared with the 540K
- The only known example
LOT 370
Selling on Saturday
From the Passport Collection; Coachwork by Sindelfingen
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 LWB Kombination Roadster 3.4L
World-renowned as an engineering juggernaut with top talent and the considerable might of the German government behind it, Mercedes-Benz produced a wide model range during the 1930s consisting of virtually every vehicle type, from taxi cabs and commercial trucks all the way up to ultra-luxurious touring sporting cars, designed and built to exceptional standards. In early 1937, Mercedes launched the 320 to succeed the 290 series, advertised by the factory as "Ein Spitzenerzeugnis seiner Klasse!" or "A Top Product in its Class!" Internally designated 'W142', the 320 featured an improved and enlarged 3,208cc side valve inline 'six' producing approximately 80 HP, mated to a fully-synchronized four-speed manual gearbox - virtually unheard of at the time. The chassis was an improved development of the outgoing 290, featuring a rear swing axle and solid front axle, with stopping via modern hydraulic-type drum brakes all around. Engineering virtues aside, what truly set the new 320 apart was the new, beautifully styled bodywork, clearly echoing the coachwork of the stunning 500 and 540K, replete with sweeping front fenders and a raked radiator shell in the style of its larger sibling. The 320 Roadster was a prestigious and expensive motorcar often used by businessmen and high-ranking government officials.
Rare as just a "regular" 320, this example entails much more, as it was factory built on a 129-inch wheelbase, shared with the 540K and was built at Mannheim, and features Sindelfingen Coachwork, giving it the "Kombination" Roadster name. Known history of this rare gem starts in 1948 when it was acquired in Germany by an American G.I. who was stationed there, then brought it back home with him to Connecticut. Shortly thereafter, it was sold to another Connecticut resident, who enjoyed it for quite some time, as the 1953 Connecticut safety inspection sticker, which is still affixed to the windshield will attest. That owner would tuck this 320 away and it would not be discovered until 2012 when an East Coast collector acquired it from the estate. Knowing the significance of what he had just unearthed, it was sympathetically serviced going through the key mechanical components to bring it to driving condition. The impressively sound body, largely original paint, weathered interior, and other items like the fragile convertible top were preserved and left in as-found condition as best as possible. The interior is appointed with a mother of pearl instrument panel, banjo spoke steering wheel, and opening panels in the steeply raked vee windshield, items that would be found in either a 500K or 540K. Equipment options are vast, featuring Bosch headlights and fog lights, a recessed rear deck spare wheel and tire in a chrome cover, backup light, a dashboard-mounted radio, and a set of fitted luggage that sits behind the front seats.
The Passport Collection would acquire this LWB Kombination Roadster in 2015, while keeping the original condition under its care. Having been tucked away in its collection for the last decade, this example still awaits to make its public appearance at a major concours event where it would surely be welcomed. Whether restored, or kept in its current condition, this is a truly fascinating and rare pre-war Mercedes-Benz that was built at Mannheim but features Sindelfingen Coachwork, resulting in it being in a class of its own as this combination is almost never heard of - a singularly important example, indeed.
Amazingly preserved and retaining much of its originality, this important Roadster offers an exceptional opportunity to acquire a significant piece of automotive history from one of the most storied marques and one that will certainly cause a stir at events worldwide.
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