1934 Mercedes-Benz Typ 130 (W23) 130 3MT (26 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz introduced the Typ 130 at the 1934 International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin at the same time as the prestigious 500 K series, and it was the smallest vehicle in the carmaker’s portfolio.

Before the W23, the German automaker tried the solution of rear-engined vehicles on the W17 platform, but those versions didn’t reach the assembly line. But based on the results from those experiments, Mercedes-Benz created the Typ 130, which became the first production car in the world with the engine mounted in the back. At 3,200 RM (Reichmarks), the car was a bargain compared to the 22,000 RM 500 K.

With its humble design, the W23 featured rounded shapes with no radiator grille at the front. Its tall luggage compartment was there and was flanked on the sides by a pair of headlights supported by the arched wheel fenders. On its sides, the two-door vehicle featured flat panels and an air intake above the rear wheel arches. But the rear end was the most intriguing, with its sloped-down shape, extended more than most regular cars from that era due to the flat-four engine mounted behind the axle.

Inside, there was nowhere near as luxurious as any other Mercedes-Benz on the market. Still, it featured two seats at the front and a bench in the back for two passengers. Access was difficult due to the small rear-hinged doors, but acceptable.

The car’s platform featured swing axles, with leaf springs up front and coils in the back. The air-cooled engine was not very powerful and was paired with a three-speed manual. But that was enough for many. Still, unfortunately, the car’s sales didn’t go as good as expected, and the W23 was withdrawn from the assembly lines just two years later.