1934 Mercedes-Benz 290 Cabriolet D

Daimler and Benz merged to form Daimler-Benz in June of 1926. The combined workforce numbered perhaps 20,000, yet combined production was barely 2,000 cars. Their automobile was still considered a luxury product. To this limited market, Daimler-Benz appealed with an offering of mid-range vehicles built in Mannheim and the essentially custom-built machines that were built in Unterturkheim near Stuttgart.

A new Mercedes-Benz series, internally coded W 18, entered production in 1933 as a replacement for the type 350/370 Mannheim series. These cars, more commonly referred to as the Type 290, brought with them a number of advanced engineering features such as hydraulic brakes, a transverse leaf-spring/coil spring front suspension, a coil-sprung floating rear axle, and a 60 horsepower side-valve six-cylinder engine. Body styles included a four-door touring car, a four-door sedan and four two-door convertibles or cabriolets (A,B,C,D) with seating for three or four.

In 1934, a long-wheelbase version of the 290 was introduced, with factory-bodied offerings that included a six-seat touring car, a four-door sedan, four cabriolets (A,B,D and the F Pullman), a Pullman limousine, a streamlined sedan, a roadster and a bare chassis. In 1937, the new Type 320 was introduced as a replacement for the 290 chassis.

This example, a Cabriolet D, has a unique combination of front-opening or 'suicide' front doors and rear-opening rear doors. This long-wheelbase Mercedes was part of the production series RB 10 18 17/18 and built at Mannheim. It was eventually exported to the United States. A restoration was completed in 2000 followed by a public appearance at the 2001 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It was Best interior at Ault Park in 2002 as well as a CCCA National First Prize.

The exterior is finished in deep black paint and features chrome wire wheels, dual side-mounted spare tires, driving lamps, dual Hella spotlights, a rear luggage rack, trafficators an a pair of landau irons. The interior is trimmed in light tan upholstery and includes a wood grain dash, and a full-width grab handle for the rear passengers.

Power is from a 2867cc side-valve inline six-cylinder engine that offers 60 horsepower and is mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The wheelbase measures 102-inches.
In 2011, the car was offered for sale in Monterey, Ca. presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $200,000-$300,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $275,000, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011