The Mannheim line-up was introduced in the early 1930s as a replacement to type Type 35. It was designed by Ferdinand Porsche while working at Mercedes-Benz and created by Hans Nibelung. Power came from a inline six-cylinder engine offering 75 horsepower which was sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual gearbox. The car had a top speed in the neighborhood of 70 mph.
The Mercedes-Benz 370 S Mannheim Sport Cabriolet was built between 1931 and 1933. Its long bonnet and short tail with twin spare wheels mounted at the rear give the impression of a compact SSK. Only 183 370 S Mannheims were built, all of which were Cabriolets or Roadsters, and they attracted an impressive clientele, including race driver Rudolf Caracciola.