Segment: Lower Premium
Production years: 1937
Mercedes-Benz replaced the N21 model in 1937 with the Typ 230 N, W143 model to make the car attractive for more people, but it was hardly a successful vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the Typ 230 N on the same chassis as its predecessor and with the same wheelbase, but the bodywork was longer. That led to a somehow disproportionate design with a very long rear overhang. The German carmaker realized that and introduced, as an option, a long-wheelbase version which proved to be more successful on the market. From 1938, Mercedes-Benz dropped the N (short-wheelbase) version.
The bodywork was sleeker than on the N21 model, with a slightly raked, pined-out radiator. Unlike more expensive Mercedes-Benz models, the Typ 230 N featured wheel-arches mounted headlights. At the bottom, its chromed and profiled metallic bumper was completely different than on its predecessor. In the back, the slightly racked-forward rear end made room for a luggage compartment, which was accessible from the outside.
Inside, the car was quite roomy for four adults. Its front, rear-hinged doors helped its occupants get out easier than most of the other four-doors sedans on the market. That was one of the reasons why the special Nazi forces used the Typ 230 N.
Under the hood, the German carmaker installed an inline-six engine with a 2.3-liter displacement, hence the car's name, that provided 55 hp. It was paired to a four-speed manual gearbox. Mercedes-Benz installed an independent suspension with leaf-springs in all corners to provide more comfort and a better cornering speed.
ENGINE SPECS - 230 | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2229 cm3 |
Power: | 40 KW @ 3600 RPM 55 HP @ 3600 RPM 54 BHP @ 3600 RPM |
Torque: | 100 lb-ft @ 1800 RPM 136 Nm @ 1800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 72 mph (116 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Manual, 4 Speed |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Drums |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 5.50-17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 173.2 in (4399 mm) |
Width: | 67.3 in (1709 mm) |
Height: | 63 in (1600 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 53.9/54.7 in (1,369/1,389 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2910 lbs (1320 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3968 lbs (1800 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 16.8 mpg US (14 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 333 g/km |