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1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 Cabriolet A

  • Chassis Number: 191150
The Mercedes-Benz 290 Series was replaced by the 320 Series in 1936. It was initially built in two different wheelbase lengths; offered in just one size from 1938 onwards, although a wide variety of closed and open body styles were available. Power came from a 3208cc engine that was later bored out to 3405cc towards the end of production to compensate for inferior fuel quality. The 320 Series was given coil-spring independent suspension at all corners, hydraulic brakes, a four-speed manual gearbox, or an optional ZF overdrive 'autobahn' gear.

The Type 320 was a very comfortable car and exhibited the same general appearance as the firm's higher-end models at a significantly lower cost. Many 320 models were supplied with formal limousine and sedan bodies, but it was the cabriolet styles that best captured the essence of the contemporary 500K/540K sports models of the time.

There were three 320 Cabriolet models, designated by code letters. The Cabriolet A was a racy and relatively expensive sports model – it was very much a junior 500K/540K in appearance with two front seats, a third seat set at 90 degrees across the rear and the spare wheel on the boot. The Cabriolet B was a 2-door, 4-window style with front and rear seating, while the Cabriolet D was a 4-door, 4-window style.

Bodystyles included a Tourer, a Roadster, and various Cabriolets. This particular 3.2-liter example has a two-door Cabriolet A body with two front seats, a third seat set at 90 degrees across the rear, and twin spare wheels resting on the back of the car. The early history of the car is not known - it was confiscated during WWII, presumably for military purposes. By the 1960s, the car was in the care of a private owner in the United States. It is believed he later sold it to a European businessman in the mid-1980s. In 2007, the 320 Cabriolet A returned to Germany and given a no-expense-spared restoration. The car was finished in dark blue with a new grey leather interior.

The current owner recently purchased the car and toured the Eastern Concours d'Elegance circuit with it in 2014. It received awards at both the Amelia Island and Pinehurst Concours d'Elegance.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2017
This 3.2 liter example is fitted with the more sporting two-door Cabriolet A body with two front seats, a third seat set at 90 degrees across the rear, and twin spare wheels on the boot. The earliest history has yet to be uncovered as records were destroyed in Mannheim, Germany during World War II. By the 1960s, the car was with a private owner in the United States and it is believed he sold it to a European businessman in the mid-1980s. In 2007 it was returned to its native Germany and was subjected to an extensive restoration performed by Mercedes-Benz specialist Arthur Bechtel Classic Cars. The restoration was performed in 2011 through 2013. The engine was restored and revised in every detail and the electrical system was renewed with new cabling and connectors. The restored VDO instruments record vital running information. The highly polished wood covering the dashboard and door cappings has been renewed.

2018 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $500,000-USD $600,000 
Sale Price :
USD $420,000

2017 Bonhams : Quail Lodge

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $525,000-USD $650,000 
Sale Price :
USD $368,500

2016 Bonhams : The Amelia Island Auction

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $600,000-USD $700,000 
Lot was not sold

2014 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction

Sale Price :
USD $517,000

1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Mercedes-Benz Type 320

(Data based on Model Year 1938 sales)
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet B
Chassis#: 191191
Sold for USD$381,659
  2020 RM : The European Sale featuring the Petitjean Collection
 
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet D
Chassis#: 407841
Sold for USD$285,245
  2018 RM Sothebys : Paris
 
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet
Chassis#: 191150
Sold for USD$420,000
  2018 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale
1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 image  1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 image  
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet B
Chassis#: 435053
Sold for USD$539,000
  2017 The Auburn Auction : Worldwide Auctioneers
1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 image  1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 image  
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet Coachwork in the style of Sindelfingen
Chassis#: 191150
Sold for USD$368,500
  2017 Bonhams : Quail Lodge
1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 image  1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 image  
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 3.2-Litre Cabriolet B
Chassis#: 435053
Sold for USD$378,923
  2017 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 image  1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 image  
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet
Sold for USD$259,646
  2015 Coys Blenheim Palace Summer Sale
 
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 Long Wheelbase Kombination Roadster
Chassis#: 408153
Sold for USD$825,000
  2015 Bonhams : Greenwich Concours
 
1938 MERCEDES-BENZ 320B CABRIOLET
Chassis#: 320435035
Sold for USD$155,000
  2014 Mecum - Monterey
1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 image  1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 image  
1938 MERCEDES-BENZ 320 CABRIOLET A
Chassis#: 191150
Sold for USD$517,000
  2014 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction
1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 image  1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 image  
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet B
Chassis#: 408185
Sold for USD$137,329
  2013 RM Auction - London
 
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet B
Chassis#: 408185
Sold for USD$137,329
  2013 RM Auction - London
 
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet B
Chassis#: 172372
Sold for USD$154,055
  2013 RM Auction - London
 
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 Limousine
Chassis#: 407782
Sold for USD$77,468
  2013 RM Auction - London
 
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet D
Chassis#: 407841
Sold for USD$184,866
  2013 RM Auction - London
 

Mercedes-Benz Type 320s That Failed To Sell At Auction

1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1938 Mercedes-Benz 320 3.4-Litre Cabriolet B4350352019 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais $310,000$350,000
1938 MERCEDES-BENZ 320 3.2-LITRE CABRIOLET B4350532016 Bonhams The MercedesBenz Sale $270,000$350,000
1938 MERCEDES-BENZ 320 CABRIOLET A1911502016 Bonhams : The Amelia Island Auction $600,000$700,000
1938 MERCEDES-BENZ 320 FOUR DOOR CABRIOLET 2001 Kruse Auction Ft. Lauderdale, FL$49,000  

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1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320

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