1935 Mercedes-Benz 130H

The Type W23 Model 130H was designed by Mercedes-Benz's Chief Engineer Hans Nibel, and was inspired by the Rumpler-chassis racers, which raced from 1923 through 1926. It made its debut at the Berlin Auto Show in 1934. Several prototypes were made from 1928 (by Porsche) to 1932 and 1934 by Hans Nibbel. Two years later the 130 H was replaced by the 170 H. Total production of the 130H reached 4,298 units.

This was the first attempt by Daimler to enter the 'People Car' market. The 130 H (with the 'H' being German for heck, or rear) was powered by a 1.3-liter, side-valve, water-cooled, four-cylinder engine that was placed behind the rear axle. The engine, which offered 26 horsepower, was mated to a 3+1 synchronized transmission that ran ahead of the axle and helped counter-balance the heavy engine. The suspension was comprised of a four-wheel independent suspension setup. The overall ride quality was rather good for the time period, however, it had poor handling. Zero-to 56 miles per hour took 37 seconds.

Bodystyles were limited to a sedan, open-top saloon, and convertible, each in a two-door configuration.

In parallel with the 130H, Mercedes-Benz also developed the 150H, a two-seater in coupe and roadster configurations with a 55 horsepower engine. Only eleven 150H's were built.