1932 MERCEDES BENZ “Grosser Mercedes” Cabriolet D (W07) 770 Kompressor

Vehicle Overview

Two years after the introduction of the Typ 770 at the Paris Motor Show in October 1930, the German automaker increased the range of vehicles with a few other versions, such as the Cabriolet D.

Back in the ’30s, most vehicles still relied on chassis, so the carmaker didn’t have to worry too much about the bodywork. Moreover, it even sold them in bare form so customers could choose their own coach builders to finish the vehicle. The Typ 770 was also provided like that, as a rolling chassis, with a choice of two wheelbases.

The Cabriolet D shared its chassis with the Tourenwagen (touring car) version of the Typ 770, but it sported an open-top bodywork. Unlike other convertible versions from the W07 lineup, the Cabriolet D offered four access doors for easier ingress and egress to the car. Yet, the front part of the vehicle was similar. It sported the same V-shaped grille and the already known twp-headlamp design supported by an arched slat connected to the wheel fenders. Since it was considered a Grand Tourer, the Cabriolet D sported a shelf behind the vehicle that supported a crate used as a trunk.

Inside, the luxurious vehicle was fitted with two seats at the front and a bench seat for two in the back. Its Grand Tourer cousin featured three rows of seats, but since the Cabriolet D needed some room for the ragtop, these were deleted. So, in the end, the vehicle was just a four-people affair.

The W07 Grosser Mercedes was produced in 117 units, and the most common body version was the Pullman saloon, with 42 units. Under the hood, the automaker installed a 7.7-liter inline-eight engine with or without a supercharger.