1938 Mercedes-Benz 230

In 1926, Daimler merged with Benz & Cie to create Mercedes-Benz. Technical Director Paul Daimler had left the company in 1922, and in April 1923, a Dr. Ferdinand Porsche arrived from Austria to finish the development of Daimler's new top-of-the-market model, the 24/100/140 PS (later renamed the Type 630). Under the technical direction of Porsche, Hans Nibel created the W 02 of 1926. From 1928 forward, Nibel worked solo as head of design and engineering.

After Nibel passed away in November of 1934, Mercedes' factory racing driver and team leader Max Sailer took over the design office. He continued the work of Nibel, developing the W 143 which debuted in February of 1937. Known as the Type 230, it was the successor to the Type 230 W21 and was the fourth-generation midsize car that began with the first W 02 of 1926. It came with four-wheel independent suspension, hydraulic drum brakes, and modern designs that were aesthetically pleasing. The box-frame chassis was enlarged from 106.3 to 120 inches, which greatly improved the ride quality. The bodywork was lengthened accordingly, from 173.2 to 180.3 inches. Most of the standard-bodied cars rested on the 180-inch length platform, while the six-light Pullman-Limousine-bodied cars were on a 189-inch platform. The list of body styles now included a six-seater 'Landaulet' and 'Tourenwagen (Touring Car),' along with a four-door four-seater cabriolet known as the 'Cabriolet D' and a 'Kraftdroschke' targeted at taxi operators. Mercedes offered three cabriolets including the afore-mentioned Cabriolet D, a 2/3 seat A, and a two-door, four-seat B. Special bodies were built to clients' needs, requests, and wishes, including a two-door Special Roadster with a short-wheelbase of 106.3-inches for buyers entranced by the racing exploits of Rudi Caracciola.

While the early cars used a four-speed transmission with synchromesh on the top two gears, the updated cars received fully synchronized transmissions. The Type 230 name of the model was sourced from its 2,229cc (2,213cc for tax purposes) inline six-cylinder side-valve engine with a bore and stroke of 72.5x90mm. It used a single Solex carburetor which delivered the fuel-air mixture into a combustion chamber with a compression ratio of 6.6:1, helping to develop 55 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 100 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 RPM. The top speed was in the neighborhood of 72 mph and braking was handled by four-wheel hydraulically assisted drum brakes.

Production of the 143 continued until 1941, although only 22 examples were produced that year. Total production between 1936 and 1941 reached 20,336 examples, making it Mercedes-Benz's second most popular model to date.

The Mercedes-Benz W153 was introduced in early 1939 and often referred to as the Type 230. It was a direct successor to the W143 of 1937 but used a more modernized body and a redesigned chassis. While the W143 utilized a pressed steel sub-frame, the W153 employed an X-shaped oval tube design. Body styles included a saloon and three different cabriolets.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet B
Chassis number: 480130
Engine number: 404240

While the 540K Cabriolet would be amongst the most famous and valuable of all pre-war Mercedes-Benz, there would be one cabriolet model that would be far rarer. That would be the 230 Cabriolet B.

The Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B would consist of four seats and two doors. In many respects it was the perfect car for enjoying a trip around the countryside. With the cabriolet top providing great perspective and panoramic views, the 230 would be the perfect touring automobile.

A perfect example of the Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B being the perfect road-trip automobile would be chassis 480130. Purchased brand new in 1938 by Mr. Gregor Ziemer, the Cabriolet would become an immediate member of the Ziemer family and would carry the members on a number of adventures throughout Germany, even a trip to Holland.

Mr. Ziemer taught at the American School in Berlin. He would use the Cabriolet on a number of family trips and would enjoy some beautiful moments amidst the ever-increasing darkness of pre-war Germany.

The Cabriolet would also find itself as part of history when Mr. Ziemer would use the car to travel across the border into Czechoslovakia to report for an American newspaper on the annexation. Ziemer and the Cabriolet would cross the border, literally, just hours before the German Army.

However, the carefree and sunshine days of family road trips would begin to get lost in the reality of Nazi Germany. As a result, the Ziemers would leave Germany in 1939 and would settle in Lake City, Minnesota, which was near Mrs. Edna Ziemer's family.

Mr. Ziemer would be of great value given his experiences under Nazi rule. As a result, he would be commissioned as an officer in the US Army. His posting would be as a war correspondent with none other than General George Patton's 4th Armored Division in the 3rd Army.

Following the conclusion of the war, the family would be interested in getting back to its carefree ways and the Cabriolet was just what the family needed. Numerous family trips, even parades, the Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B, which would be known as 'Old Gal', would have a busy life.

Mr. Ziemer would end up passing away in 1982. The car that had been so much a part of the family's life would be stored away until 1993 when it would be finally shipped to Ziemer's daughter in Palos Verdes, California. The car would be later given to her daughter and son-in-law living in Malibu. The car remained in good working order but the many years of use would certainly show.

During the late 1990s, 480130 would undergo restoration. The process would take the better part of a decade, if not longer. When completed, the car would be finished in bone and tan. The upholstery of the car would be burgundy. Every color would be factory-available colors from 1937. The work would be rewarded when displayed at the 2008 Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance. Entered in the Pre-War European Class, the Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B would come away with a third place result.

Truly a member of the Ziemer family, 480130 would be offered at the 2013 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction for the very first time. Old Gal would be made available for fun touring for the first time in 75 years.

Still fitted with historic badges on the grille, original custom-fitted luggage, original wheel rims, radiator cover and many other original documents and literature the Cabriolet would be drawing estimates ranging from $125,000 to $150,000. However, when the bidding was finished, the 1938 Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B would earn $220,000.

Sources:

'Lot No. 30: 1938 Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet B', (http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1938-mercedes-benz-230b-cabriolet/). Gooding & Company. http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1938-mercedes-benz-230b-cabriolet/. Retrieved 28 August 2013.

by Jessican Donaldson

Special Roadster

This 230 S / W153 Special Roadster is an off-road rally car. It is one of nine built by Mercedes for use by the German Automobile Club in European off-road rally events, such as the Deutsche Alpenfahrt, Ost Preussen Rally and the Brandenburg Rally. Well known race and rally drivers Karl Kling, Hermann Lang and Hans Stuck were assigned to these cars and participated in the rallies. This is the sole remaining example; there is a similar model on display in the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart, Germany.

Sedan
Chassis number: 409550

The 1938 Type 230 was powered by a 2,229cc inline six-cylinder side-valve engine that was backed by a four-speed fully synchronized transmission. A variety of body styles were available including a sedan, four-door cabriolets, and a two-door Special Roadster.

This particular example is in the care of Herr Schneurer collection and wears an older restoration. This sedan has a full fabric sunroof.

by Dan Vaughan

The fourth in the series of Nibel designs that would evolve into the Mercedes-Benz line during the tough mid-1930 years, the Mercedes-Benz 230 was a very handsome pre-war vehicle often used by German officials during the Second World War, some of which were even confiscated and brought to the U.S.A. The Mercedes-Benz 170, the first of the Nibel designs was introduced in 1931 and though quite staid in appearance, underneath the hood was the Nibel's revolutionary chassis design that set a new standard of comfort and safety. The designs featured a box-section frame with all round independent suspension and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. The economical 170 was priced competitively for the market while keeping to Mercedes-Benz's exceptional quality standards.

Proving to be quite a success with the public, natural progression of the Mercedes-Benz 170 led to the larger-engined, more-powerful models that included the 200, and the 230 (W21). The following year the short-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz 230 (W143) replaced the 200 and 230 (W21). Powered by a 2.3-liter straight-six engine that pumped out 55 horsepower, the short-chassis cars used an oval-tube backbone. Later that year the marque switched the car to a long-wheelbase chassis and called the car the 230 that used a box-section frame. Production of the 230 continued on until 1941.

Special off-road sports models were created from the basis of popular 170 V and 230 to be used in cross-country rallies, but with higher output 2-liter and 2.3 liter engines.

Riding on a 120-inch wheelbase, the 2,289 cc inline L-head engine had a four-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. The vehicle featured blackwall Continental tires and dual side-mount spare tires.

During the 1930s and '40s, the most common saloon body type used for Mercedes-Benz vehicles was the limousine, with comfortable room for up to four passengers. These spacious vehicles generally came with an schiebedach, or a sunroof that could open up the entire roof with a sliding fabric configuration so both front and rear passengers could enjoy the view.

Three models of the 230 were created and designed by Mercedes-Benz by code letters. In 1939 production ended with more than 24,500 230s of all types built. Only 38 of the Cabriolet B 4-four seater with 2 doors models were produced, which made it incredibly rare. One sold in April of 2013 for $158,500. The Classic Car Club of Americans recognizes the rare Mercedes-Benz 230 as a 'Full Classic'.

Sources:

http://www.classiccarweekly.net/2013/04/12/1937-mercedes-230-roadster/

http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1062384

http://www.russoandsteele.com/past-collector-car/1937-Mercedes-Benz-230-A-Cabriolet/16371

by Jessican Donaldson