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1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S

The merger between Daimler and Benz was the result of Germany's post-World War I depression, a process that began in 1925 and was formally consummated on June 26th of 1926. This brought integration between the two product lines, manufacturing, and management, but it also brought an end to racing endeavors. Competition was sidelined but performance remained paramount and a key ingredient in Mercedes products. The engineering talents of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, Hans Nibel, and Fritz Nallinger were instrumental in the development of the Mercedes-Benz Type S, a successor to the 6,256 cubic centimeter Model K, and a model that was paramount in establishing the credentials of Mercedes-Benz as a Paragon of high-performance luxury automobile manufacture.

1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S photo
Armbruster Roadster by Armbruster
Chassis #: 35213
View info and history
The engine continued to use six cylinders and single overhead camshafts from its Model K predecessor, but with a displacement size of 6,789 cubic centimeters, dual carburetors, larger valves, a higher compression ratio, and a larger Roots-type supercharger that delivered 7-psi boost when engaged. It had an aluminum alloy block with a cast-iron head and was rated 26/120/180 horsepower, the numbers denoting the engine's taxable, naturally aspirated, and supercharged horsepower ratings. The 'unit' engine and transmission had rigid mounts which provided cross bracing for the flexible chassis, and the size of the powerplant contributed its own rigidity to the chassis structure. A jointed torque tube drove the back axle, sending power to the rear wheels. It used the dimensions of the Model K chassis, but with the engine moved rearward by 30 cm and the frame was lowered significantly. The low-slung double-drop chassis carried a large radiator at the front and typically wore rakish, sporty, and purposeful coachwork. The engine was backed by a four-speed manual gearbox, the suspension used live axles and semi-elliptical leaf springs, and braking was handled by drums all round.

The Model S (also known as the 680 S) was introduced at the opening meeting of the Nurburgring in 1927, where Rudolf Caracciola established the vehicle's sporting credential by earning a class victory, the first of many accolades for the model. Caracciola and his teammate, Adolf Rosenberger, would secure many hill climb and tournament trophies throughout the 1927 racing season. In America, Ralph de Palma drove an 'S' to victory in the 15 and 30-mile races at Atlantic City, averaging 80mph.

The Mercedes-Benz Model S represented the pinnacle of performance, luxury, and style of the era. Its price tag in excess of $7,000 - sans coachwork - guaranteed their exclusivity. Just 146 examples were built between 1927 and 1930, many finding homes around the globe from royalty to celebrity. It was available with factory or 'Sindelfingen' coachwork or as a rolling chassis to be clothed by prominent coachbuilders in configurations of the client's choice. Most examples were bodied by the Sindelfingen factory and each shared the extremely low hood line that is longer than the coachwork behind it, along with three curved, external exhaust pipes. Other examples received custom coachwork from famed coachbuilders such as Saoutchik, Murphy, Erdmann & Rossi, Corsica, Castagna, and Glaser.

1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S photo
Saoutchik Cabriolet by Saoutchik
Chassis #: 35964
Engine #: 72166
View info and history
An 'SS' version of the Model S was introduced in mid-1928, with a larger 7.1-liter version of the engine delivering 40 additional horsepower, now rated at 200 hp. This model was closely followed by the SSK (for Super Sport Kurz - German for 'Super Sport Short') designed to compete in hill climbs. It used the lower radiator of the Model S, the engine from the SS, and a shortened 2950mm chassis. The SSKL (for Super Sport Kurz Leicht or Super Sport Short Light) was a lightweight, pure racing version of the SSK which weighed 125 kg less than its predecessor. Equipped with a 300 horsepower engine and lightweight, aerodynamic bodywork, the SSKL achieved a top speed of 146 mph. Another example owned by Von Brauchitsch wore an aerodynamic body formed from aluminum and achieved a top speed of 156 mph. It won the Avus race in May of 1932, and was described by broadcasters covering the event on radio as a 'silver arrow.'


by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021

Related Reading : Mercedes-Benz Model S History

Ferdinand Porsche designed the S-Type for Mercedes-Benz in 1927. The racer was constructed using pre-existing road version Mercedes vehicles, mainly the 400 and 630 models. The names of these vehicles came from their displacement size in liters. For example, the 400 had a four-liter engine while the 630 had a 6.3-liter engine, both were equipped a supercharger and six-cylinders. The engine was one....
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1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S Vehicle Profiles

1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S vehicle information
Tourenwagen

Coachwork: Sindelfingen
1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S vehicle information
Tourer

Chassis #: 35945
1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S vehicle information
Tourer

Chassis #: 35939
1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S vehicle information
Sports Tourer

Coachwork: Glaser
Chassis #: 35920
Engine #: 68674
1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S vehicle information
Torpedo Roadster

Coachwork: Saoutchik
Chassis #: 35949
Engine #: 72151
1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S vehicle information
Saoutchik Cabriolet

Coachwork: Saoutchik
Chassis #: 35964
Engine #: 72166
1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S vehicle information
Boattail Speedster

Coachwork: Murphy
Chassis #: 35313
1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S vehicle information
Armbruster Roadster

Coachwork: Armbruster
Chassis #: 35213
1928 Mercedes-Benz Model S vehicle information
Tourer

Chassis #: 35947
Engine #: 71819
Build #: 40647

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Model S

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
133.90 in.
6 cyl., 414.23 CID., 120.00hp
6 cyl., 380.79 CID., 140.00hp
6 cyl., 414.23 CID., 180.00hp
133.86 in., 134.00 in.
6 cyl., 414.96 CID., 180.00hp
134.00 in.
6 cyl., 414.96 CID., 180.00hp

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