1933 MERCEDES BENZ Typ 290 (W18) 290 (60 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz was quick back on its feet after the Great Depression that affected the world Economy in the early 30s and introduced the Typ 290 (W18) lineup at the International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin as a new range that consisted of sedans, open-top, and cabriolets.

Thanks to the new platform, the German carmaker managed to overtake its competitors, which relied on older chassis. In addition, the Typ 290 was available with two wheelbases. One of the most important models from the lineup was, obviously, the sedan.

Based on the long-wheelbase version, the car offered a four-door solution fitted with large windows all around. Moreover, the carmaker offered the vehicle an option for a removable top, so passengers could enjoy a breath of fresh air, even though it was not a true cabriolet. At the front, the car featured an arched chromed bar mounted between the front fenders. It supported the two big headlights, and behind them, the radiator stood flat and tall, creating a commanding view. The curved front fenders hosted the spare wheels and were extended onto the side steps toward the rear quarter panels.

Its luxurious cabin offered room for up to five passengers, including the driver, on leather seats. For the front occupants, the two individual seats offered a comfortable ride. Mercedes-Benz used wood for the dashboard and a black area for the instrument panel.

Mercedes-Benz installed a swing axle in the rear, with two coil springs on each side, allowing each wheel to have an independent travel behavior. Two parallel wishbones controlled the front wheels, with a coil spring between the upper and lower arms. All this setup allowed a comfortable ride over bumpy roads. Under the hood, the carmaker installed a 2.9-liter engine, which was an evolution over the 2.6-liter one from the Stuttgart 260. It was paired to a manual gearbox with a direct drive in the third gear and a vacuum-selectable overdrive.