1934 MERCEDES BENZ Typ 290 Cabriolet B (W18) 290 (68 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 1933, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 290 W18 series at the International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin as a new range that consisted of sedans, open-top, and cabriolets.

With a refreshed lineup and a new platform, Mercedes-Benz proved once again that improvements in all areas drove it. The new W18 was available with two wheelbases and offered convertible bodies for both.

The Cabriolet B was based on the long-wheelbase solution and was offered as a Gran Tourer, retractable top vehicle. At the front, a chromed bar mounted between the front fenders supported the two big headlights and, behind them, the radiator stood flat and tall, creating a commanding view. With its sloped-down beltline toward the end of the car, it created an overall dynamic look. In the back, the trunk was half integrated into the car’s body, and it was accessible only from the outside.

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. The 1934 Cabriolet B offered 60 hp, but the engineers upgraded the engine to 68 hp from 1935. It was paired to a manual gearbox with direct-drive in third gear and a vacuum-selectable overdrive.