MERCEDES BENZ Typ 770 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

This version of the second generation of the Grosser Mercedes is one of the rarest, with only five units produced after the model's launch in 1938.

The W150 Grosser Mercedes (Grand Mercedes) was made only on a long wheelbase version, with a distance between the front and rear axles of 3.9 meters (152.7"). Mercedes-Benz built 88 chassis, and many of them were armor-plated. But since the automaker installed only supercharged, inline-eight engines under their hood, they could move quite well for those times standards.

Like the rest of its siblings, the Cabriolet F featured a pinned-out radiator at the front that was slightly tilted to the back. Not that it was a significant aerodynamic improvement, but it looked better. Unlike the rest of the range, this version didn't have the exhausts placed visibly on the right side of the engine compartment, next to the spare wheel. Another unique characteristic of the vehicle was the fact that the rag top could have been closed just for the rear-seated occupants. In addition, a glass panel separated the two areas.

But for such a vehicle, the interior was custom-made. While up front, it was similar to its stablemates, in the back was different. It sported just two comfortable leather-wrapped seats; one could slide forward and was fitted with armrests on each side.

Mercedes-Benz created a unique chassis and drivetrain for the 770. Its 7.7-liter supercharged engine featured a higher compression ratio, which led to a total output of 230 hp. Power went to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Just remember that some cars had only three-speed at those times. The front independent suspension and the rear DeDion axle provided a comfortable ride and better handling.

Mercedes-Benz surprised the 1938 Berlin International Motor and Motorcycle Show visitors when it unveiled the Model 770, known as the "Grand Mercedes."

It was the second generation of the "Grand Mercedes" and improved in every way. Max Wagner, who made the famous Silver Arrows race-cars (W124 and W154), designed the chassis. He used his skills and knowledge from motorsport to create a thin-wall oval-shaped frame that was light and strong. And it had to be that way since the car was heavier than some trucks.

The carmaker built 88 units of the W150 model, from which 46 were open-tourers. Their pined-out radiators and thick front bumpers showed power and greatness. Its long hood was flanked on its sides by the spare wheels and the extended wheel-arches. The front doors were rear-hinged, while the rear ones were normal. Thus, the front side occupant could get out quickly and open the back seat passengers' rear doors. Behind the cabin, the carmaker added a curved, vertical trunk lid.

Inside, the carmaker made a custom-made interior, fit for every customer. Since Mercedes-Benz did not build the 770 on the same assembly line as the rest of the carmaker's range, each interior was hand-built. The usual materials used were leather and wood veneers. At the front, the carmaker installed an instrument panel in the middle of the dashboard.

Mercedes-Benz created a unique chassis and drivetrain for the 770. Its 7.7-liter supercharged engine featured a higher compression ratio, which led to a total output of 230 hp. Power went to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Just remember that some cars had only three-speed at those times. The front independent suspension and the rear DeDion axle provided a comfortable ride and better handling.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the second generation of the "Grand Mercedes" at the 1938 Berlin Automobile and Motorcycle Show, where the three-pointed star stand shined brightly.

It was an important event for the German carmaker. Not only because a man named Adolf Hitler opened the show, but also because its stand hosted Caracciola's record-breaking car that reached 271 mph (436 kph) and, inevitably, it attracted everyone. Mercedes-Benz unveiled the W150 model, also known as the Grosser Mercedes (Grand Mercedes), in the same stand. A range of cars built for the new government officials and for those who could afford them. Besides the closed versions and the Pullman limousine, the three-pointed star brand showcased the Cabriolet D.

Mercedes built the W150 using Grand Prix technology with independent front suspension and rear DeDion axle with coil springs. The carmaker fully revealed that system on a bare-chassis displayed at the carmaker's booth. With the Cabriolet D version, the carmaker tried offering more open-top versions for its customers. It featured a front fascia with a V-shaped grille for the radiator, like the rest of its W150 stablemates. However, unlike the Grand Tourer version, it featured a shorter wheelbase. As a result, it was lighter and, thus, faster.

Inside, the Cabriolet D could get up to five occupants since the gear-stick was on the floor and prohibited a third person from staying at the front. The large canvas roof took its place behind the cabin, above the trunk, which was only accessible from the outside. Mercedes installed the spare wheel behind the front wheel arches to keep an elegant look for the car's back.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a supercharged engine that produced 230 hp paired with a five-speed manual transmission. As a result, the unofficial maximum speed for the Cabriolet D exceeded 100 mph (161 kph).

Built as a one-off for the Persian throne heir, this open-top version of the "Grosser Mercedes" W150 proved what the Sindelfingen coachbuilder could perform.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the second generation of the Grosser Mercedes lineup at the 1938 Berlin Automobile and Motorcycle Show. Just to be sure that its booth would attract more visitors, the German carmaker also hosted Rudolph Caracciola's record-breaking vehicle that attained 268.8 mph (432.7 kph) in January 1938. It was an outstanding success, and some visitors asked if, apart from the standard versions, the automaker could build custom bodies for them. This Cabriolet B is proof of that.

The Sindelfingen coachbuilders took the front part of the Cabriolet D but extensively reworked the rest of the vehicle. Just like its sibling, it lost the cross-bar member that supported the headlights on the previous W07 Grosser Mercedes. Now, these were mounted between the arched wheel fenders and the engine compartment. In addition, the automaker installed a secondary set of headlamps on the front bumper. From its profile, the rear-hinged doors were very long, so the occupants could easily enter the vehicle. There were no rear doors, yet the automaker installed retractable side windows for the rear-seated passengers. At the back, the wheels were covered by additional panels, while the sloped rear end covered the trunk.

Inside, apart from the instrument panel, everything was custom-made. The automaker used the most expensive materials in its bin to create a lavish interior. In addition, the canvas roof was easy to handle and could have been retracted behind the rear bench.

Under the beautiful, unique bodywork, the automaker installed the advanced front suspension fitted with unequal trapezoidal links and coil springs instead of leaf springs. At the back, a De Dion axle with independent suspension provided more comfort for the passengers.

Introduced at the 1930 Paris Motor Show, the Typ 770 was one of the most expensive cars on the market and was offered in a few bodywork versions, and all cars were hand-assembled.

But the German automaker didn't stop developing the vehicle after the launch. Apart from the sedans and different convertibles, it also made the Stadt Cabriolet (City Cabriolet). The idea behind the project was that the vehicle owner would stay in the back, in a closed cabin environment. In contrast, the driver and the side passenger were under the open sky. Thus, those in the front couldn't hear what was discussed behind the glass panel that separated them.

Like the rest of the W770 range, the Stadt Cabriolet featured a V-shaped radiator at the front. In addition, the curved front fenders were extended on the sides and continued with the side steps that eased the ingress and egress from the vehicle. The rear-hinged doors also allowed the passengers in the cabin to get in and out faster and more comfortably. Behind the cabin, the automaker installed a rack with a removable crate as a trunk. Furthermore, the two spare wheels were added to the back on a separate cradle. When the trunk was removed, the spare wheels' cradle could've been tilted forward.

The driving post featured a pair of seats and the usual Typ 770 dashboard with center-mounted dials and gauges, and the gear stick was floor mounted. In addition, a secondary lever activated the overdrive gearing, which allowed the vehicle to run at higher speeds with lower engine revs.

Under the long hood, Mercedes-Benz installed an inline-eight gasoline engine that produced 150 PS (148 hp). But the automaker also offered an option for a supercharged version that provided 200 PS (197 hp). Stopping power was ensured by four power-assisted drums.

Two years after the introduction of the Grand Mercedes, the German carmaker opened the orders for a few more convertible versions. Among them was the sporty Cabriolet C.

In 1930, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Typ 770 (W07) at the Paris Motor Show. The carmaker aimed to regain the crown as the most exquisite car on the market. This title was previously gained by another German carmaker, Maybach. However, unlike its main rival, the three-pointed-star brand expanded the lineup with more vehicles, apart from those sold as chassis-only vehicles.

The Cabriolet C used a shortened chassis than the full-size 770, and it is one of the rarest W07 built. It sported the same V-shaped radiator at the front as a distinctive lineup feature. Mercedes-Benz installed a metallic bumper in front of the wheels, welded onto the chassis' endings. The car's ragtop could fold behind the cabin. It was protected by an additional cover to protect it from the sun when retracted.

Mercedes-Benz made the Cabriolet C with four seats and front-hinged doors. The interior sported a pair of seats at the front and a bench in the back. The latter could fold down and reveal the rear-mounted trunk accessible from the cabin. Like its siblings, the car was finished with leather upholstery and wood trims on the dashboard and door cards.

All Cabriolets were fitted with the supercharged inline-eight powerplant built by the carmaker. Thus, it tried to compensate for the lack of four cylinders when compared to Maybach's V12. The 200 PS (197 hp) engine was paired to a three-speed manual gearbox and a two-speed transfer case, leading to a total of six gears. Moreover, it even featured an overdrive to stay at low revs at the high speeds of the Germans' motorway called Autobahn.

Two years after the introduction of the Typ 770 at the Paris Motor Show in October 1930, the German automaker increased the range of vehicles with a few other versions, such as the Cabriolet D.

Back in the '30s, most vehicles still relied on chassis, so the carmaker didn't have to worry too much about the bodywork. Moreover, it even sold them in bare form so customers could choose their own coach builders to finish the vehicle. The Typ 770 was also provided like that, as a rolling chassis, with a choice of two wheelbases.

The Cabriolet D shared its chassis with the Tourenwagen (touring car) version of the Typ 770, but it sported an open-top bodywork. Unlike other convertible versions from the W07 lineup, the Cabriolet D offered four access doors for easier ingress and egress to the car. Yet, the front part of the vehicle was similar. It sported the same V-shaped grille and the already known twp-headlamp design supported by an arched slat connected to the wheel fenders. Since it was considered a Grand Tourer, the Cabriolet D sported a shelf behind the vehicle that supported a crate used as a trunk.

Inside, the luxurious vehicle was fitted with two seats at the front and a bench seat for two in the back. Its Grand Tourer cousin featured three rows of seats, but since the Cabriolet D needed some room for the ragtop, these were deleted. So, in the end, the vehicle was just a four-people affair.

The W07 Grosser Mercedes was produced in 117 units, and the most common body version was the Pullman saloon, with 42 units. Under the hood, the automaker installed a 7.7-liter inline-eight engine with or without a supercharger.

In 1930, Mercedes-Benz introduced the Grand Mercedes as its flagship, the most luxurious vehicle produced by the German carmaker and offered as a four-door open-top vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz was already known for its luxurious vehicles, and, besides the limousines and coupes, it offered convertible versions as well. It was straightforward to do that in the '30s when most cars (except Lancia Lambda) featured a body-on-frame construction. Even though it was a heavy vehicle, thanks to its large engine, it could quickly get up to 75 mph (120 kph), which was considered "breathtaking."

The Cabriolet F was the vehicle used by Kaiser Whilhelm II until his death, and it was indeed a royal vehicle. Its pined-out radiator grille resembled the bow of a battlecruiser. Unlike the rest of the open-top versions, the Cabriolet F had multiple choices to open the vehicle. The driver's area was covered or uncovered independently from the passengers' area. Moreover, the carmaker added a panel and a windscreen between those areas, so the driver couldn't hear the talks in the back.

Also, there were different materials used for the driver and for the passengers' seats. In the back, there was the finest leather upholstery available on the market and natural wood veneers. Since it was primarily built for high-ranking officials, Mercedes-Benz added an option for a handle in front of the rear seats, so the passenger could stand up while waving to the crowds.

Mercedes-Benz installed an inline-eight engine under the long Grosser-Mercedes hood. It was offered with or without a supercharger and offered the possibility to install the blower afterward if the owner considered it.

After a two year development, Mercedes-Benz launched the “Grand Mercedes” at the end of 1930.

It was the most luxurious vehicle offered by the German car-maker.

The Grosser Mercedes, or Grand Mercedes, W07 was intended to be the ultimate luxury and performance vehicle. The specialized publications from the era recorded that the car was safe to drive even at “breathtaking speeds of over 120 kph” (75 mph). The Grand Mercedes was offered with a supercharged or naturally aspirated engine.

It was one of the most expensive cars from its era and it was built to carry up to seven passengers aboard. It shared the same chassis with the Cabriolet D, with a long wheelbase and four doors. The three-row seating arrangement was considered a luxury design. In front of the last row of seats, it featured a removable additional windshield. The canvas-top was long enough to cover all three rows and it was carried over from the Cabriolet D.

The W07 Grosser Mercedes was produced in 117 units and the most common body version was the Pullman saloon with 42 units, followed by the Tourenwagen (open tourer) with 29 units. Unlike its Cabriolet D sibling, the Tourenwagen was offered exclusively with a supercharged engine. The eight-cylinder engine offered 200 hp and it was mated to a 3-speed gearbox via a twin-disc clutch system.

After a two year development, Mercedes-Benz launched the “Grand Mercedes” at the end of 1930. It was the most luxurious vehicle offered by the German car-maker.

The Grosser Mercedes, or Grand Mercedes, W07 was intended to be the ultimate luxury and performance vehicle. The specialized publications from the era recorded that the car was safe to drive even at “breathtaking speeds of over 120 kph” (75 mph). The Grand Mercedes was offered with a supercharged or naturally aspirated engine.

The Cabriolet A was, in fact, a factory-supplied chassis with an engine without the supercharger. That was a rare model since only 13 vehicles without superchargers were built. Among the body assemblers who received bare chassis for completion was the small company Auer, Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, with which Daimler had a long history before 1900. Auer designed an unusual cabriolet version for the naturally aspirated engine with two doors and two seats. Behind the doors, two hatches could have been opened to place luggage. In the back, the car featured two spare-wheels on the rear-end of the car. The 17” wheels were fitted with 8.25 x 17 low-pressure tires.

The car was sold by Mercedes-Benz as a bare chassis for the price of RM 29.500, after the RM 3000 reduction for not fitting the engine with a belt-driven supercharger. The chassis was supplied with an engine, a 4-speed manual gearbox, a two-speed transfer box, dashboard, and the windshield. The interior was fitted with individually selected materials.

Since those cabriolet versions were not designed and manufactured by the Mercedes-Benz, they were assigned with the “Cabriolet A” names.

This is one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz ever made, and the automaker introduced it on the market in 1931 after the rest of the W07, or "Grosser Mercedes" lineup.

In October 1930, the German automaker unveiled the W07 range at the Paris Motor Show. The nickname "Grosser Mercedes" (The Grand Mercedes) was not for nothing since the luxurious vehicle was over 5,5 meters (18 ft) long. After the introduction of the sedan version, the carmaker added the Convertibles B, C, D, and F in 1931 and 1932. The sportiest one was, obviously, the Cabriolet B. Unfortunately, allegedly only two of these were ever made. And it is understandable why, since soon the world went through the Great Depression in the '30s, followed by WWII that started in 1938.

Unlike other open-top versions of the 770, the Cabriolet B was built on top of a short wheelbase version of the vehicle. In addition, the bodywork sported just two long doors. On the other hand, the front fascia remained the same, with that V-shaped radiator placed in a retracted position. In front of it, on a curved bar supported by the arched, extended wheel fenders. At the back, Mercedes-Benz created a sloped rear end for the trunk. In addition, the carmaker offered an option for an external crate as a trunk.

The cabin boasted leather-wrapped seats and door cards, while the dashboard was covered in wood veneers. Like its siblings, the Cabriolet B featured center-mounted dials. The floor-mounted gear stick was the only obstacle between the front seats.

Mercedes-Benz installed an inline-eight engine under the long Grosser-Mercedes hood. It was offered with or without a supercharger and offered the possibility to install the blower afterward if the owner considered it.