2007 Melbourne International Motorshow Auction
Lot
47
1948 Mercedes-Benz A320-W142 Cabriolet (LHD)
Sold: $350,000
Location: 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.