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2007 Melbourne International Motorshow Auction
Lot
47

1948 Mercedes-Benz A320-W142 Cabriolet (LHD)

$350,000

melbourne

Sold

Specifications

Engine In-line 6-cylinder, 3405cc
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Cabriolet
Colour Two-tone Blue
Interior Two-tone Blue
Trim Leather
Wheels Steel Disc
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

The W142 320 was a mid-level luxury car introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1937, with independent front suspension, a reliable and relatively powerful 3.2-litre side-valve engine and a four-speed gearbox (with overdrive on later cars). Available on two different wheelbase lengths, the 320 was sold with a choice of bodywork ranging from functional sedans to some handsome cabriolets and roadsters and the last example - by now with a 3.4-litre engine - was officially made in 1942. Following the Second World War, Mercedes-Benz began a rebuilding programme, resuming production of the pre-war 170 model whilst developing entirely new cars. One such vehicle was a new luxury car based on the 320 and Daimler-Benz built a single prototype in 1948, retaining the W142 model designation. Powered by the same 3.4-litre side-valve six-cylinder engine and with a four-speed gearbox plus fully independent suspension all round, the vehicle remained a one-off as development of the 300 series - with overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine - took over. The 1948 W142 therefore remained a one-off prototype and eventually escaped into private hands, surviving today as a unique example of what might have been.