MERCEDES BENZ "Grosser Mercedes" Tourenwagen (W150) 1939-1943 Photos, engines & full specs

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.