1938 Mercedes-Benz Type 320 Cabriolet A

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.