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 with a supercharger and six-cylinders. The engine was one of the most appealing attributes of these vehicles. The drawbacks that robbed the vehicles of performance were its size, weight and basic suspension system. A cushy suspension and large size were ideal for luxury vehicles that carried the elite in society, but at the track, the vehicles were in need of more performance characteristics. An attempt was made to enhance the sporty nature of the 630 by shortening the wheelbase, which brought about the 'short' (Kurz) version. This drastically improved the vehicle's sporty appeal but more was needed to enhance the handling. Mercedes answer to this problem was the S-Type version which saw the chassis lowered and the engine moved back, improving the vehicle's balance. To improve its performance, the engine capacity was enlarged to 6.8 liters, thus birthing the 680 S.
The Nurburgring 1000 km race debuted in 1927. The track is challenging with it 172 turns and 25.6 km length. The track tests both the driver and the vehicle in all scenarios such as power, braking, and cornering. At the first Nurburgring race, it was the 680 S that emerged victoriously, a true testament to the vehicle's capabilities.
Future versions of the S-Type followed such as the 700 and 710 SS which saw horsepower ratings in the 225 range. Most were considered road-going cars but there was little to distinguish a car that was meant for the track and one that was meant for the road. Obviously, the vehicles fitted with luxurious coachwork never saw any track time but the roadsters, speedsters, and coupes (for example) could be used for dual purposes.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2010
The Nurburgring 1000 km race debuted in 1927. The track is challenging with it 172 turns and 25.6 km length. The track tests both the driver and the vehicle in all scenarios such as power, braking, and cornering. At the first Nurburgring race, it was the 680 S that emerged victoriously, a true testament to the vehicle's capabilities.
Future versions of the S-Type followed such as the 700 and 710 SS which saw horsepower ratings in the 225 range. Most were considered road-going cars but there was little to distinguish a car that was meant for the track and one that was meant for the road. Obviously, the vehicles fitted with luxurious coachwork never saw any track time but the roadsters, speedsters, and coupes (for example) could be used for dual purposes.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2010
Mercedes-Benz
1929 Mercedes-Benz 630K Vehicle Profiles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
630K Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
Related Automotive News
1929 Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer Named Best Of Show At The 67Th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (August 20, 2017) — Just a week ago, Bruce R. McCaws 1929 Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer emerged from the restoration shop of Steve Babinsky in Lebanon, New Jersey. Today, having crossed the country, the boattailed beauty captured...
Full Car List Revealed As Countdown Begins To Concours Of Elegance 2017
Concours of Elegance reveals roll call of the rare and exclusive cars set to appear at Hampton Court in less than 30 days time
Concours of Elegance has highlighted a handful of the iconic cars confirmed to appear, including the one-of-ten Bentley...
Isotta Fraschinis to Decorate Pebble Beach Golf Links
First and last chassis made, along with extravagant Tipo 8 Models, to be featured at the Concours dElegance
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (July 12, 2017) - From an unlikely partnership between lawyer Cesare Isotta and car enthusiasts Vincenzo,...
A Preview of the Cars of RM Sothebys at Amelia Island
The RM Sothebys auction in Amelia Island has been extended to two days in 2017 with A Gentlemans Collection The Pride and Passion of Orin Smith to be offered largely without reserve during an exclusive evening auction on March 10.
The selection...
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Announces 2017 Features and Special Classes
Entry Applications are Due on January 9
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (December 13, 2016) — The event itself is still months away, but the competition for a spot on the show field of the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance is already underway....