1934 MERCEDES BENZ Typ 200 Cabriolet A (W21) 200

Vehicle Overview

The German economy started to rise again after the great depression in the early ’30s, and Mercedes-Benz moved quickly by launching the Typ 200 (W21) lineup on the market.

The German automaker didn’t have, or didn’t want, to involve too many resources in developing a new car from the ground up. So, instead, it took the already existing Typ 170 (W15), which was the first Mercedes-Benz with independent suspension in all corners, and improved it in any possible way. As a result, the Typ 200 was launched in 1933 with a few options for bodywork, including a small-sized, nimble convertible named Cabriolet A.

It was a clear evolution in terms of design above the Typ 170. It featured curved shapes and rounded edges, which were more expensive to build than the flat panels on the W15. But people liked it, and the car was more luxurious. Its long, curved front fenders were continued on the sides by the steps for easier ingress and egress to the vehicle. At the back, the raked-forward shape was more elegant than on its sedan sibling, which led to a smaller cabin.

Access was made via rear-hinged (suicide) doors on two seats. The dashboard was similar to its sedan sibling with a four-spoke steering wheel and center-mounted dials. Its floor-mounted gear stick was the only obstacle between the seats. At the same time, the removable canvas roof could have been folded behind the seats.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed its new 2.0-liter six-cylinder powerplant. However, it provided a mere 40 hp, just 8 hp more than on the Typ 170, that was sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.