1933 MERCEDES BENZ Typ 380 Cabriolet C (W22) 380

Vehicle Overview

It was the changing era for Mercedes-Benz and, in 1933, it unveiled the Model 380 (W22) at the International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin.

A new era began for the German carmaker when Dr. Hans Nibel and the chief designer Max Wagner tried to make a new roadster to replace the former 500K and the SSK. Everything was new on the new 380 model, from the sport chassis to the engine and bodywork.

The carmaker installed the engine further back behind the front axle for better weight distribution. Its pinned-out shape of the radiator grille was typical for the German carmaker, while other brands already started to stop using it. Its three headlights system was supported by an arched, transverse bar mounted between the ample wheel-fenders. On the sides of the engine compartment, the carmaker installed two spare wheels.

Inside the cabin, Mercedes-Benz installed a wood dash panel where the instrument panel took center stage. Its five-dials and gauges, plus a clock, offered a sporty image for the German convertible. Since the engine was pushed backward, the cabin had to be moved further back and forced the engineers to create a dual-arched gear-stick that started well under the dashboard. Its two seats were leather upholstered.

Mercedes-Benz launched the 380 with an inline-six engine but replaced it soon with an inline eight with or without a supercharger. Worth mentioning that the carmaker offered the possibility to install it afterward. Later on, in 1934, it introduced the inline-eight with over-head valves and built-in compressor, plus an enlarged displacement up to 4.0-liter. The three-speed manual with overdrive was the only option. Worth mentioning that the 380 featured independent suspension in all corners with a new trapezoidal system at the front and swing axles in the rear, plus coil springs. Due to the car’s weight, Mercedes-Benz installed hydraulic brakes on the 380.