Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937
In 1933, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 290 W18 series at the International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin as a new range that consisted of sedans, open-top, and cabriolets.
With a refreshed lineup and a new platform, Mercedes-Benz proved once again that improvements in all areas drove it. The new W18 was available with two wheelbases and offered convertible bodies for both.
The Cabriolet B was based on the long-wheelbase solution and was offered as a Gran Tourer, retractable top vehicle. At the front, a chromed bar mounted between the front fenders supported the two big headlights and, behind them, the radiator stood flat and tall, creating a commanding view. With its sloped-down beltline toward the end of the car, it created an overall dynamic look. In the back, the trunk was half integrated into the car's body, and it was accessible only from the outside.
Its luxurious cabin offered room for up to five passengers, including the driver, on leather seats. For the front occupants, the two individual seats offered a comfortable ride. Mercedes-Benz used wood for the dashboard and a black area for the instrument panel.
Mercedes-Benz installed a swing axle in the rear, with two coil springs on each side, allowing each wheel to have an independent travel behavior. Two parallel wishbones controlled the front wheels, with a coil spring between the upper and lower arms. All this setup allowed a comfortable ride over bumpy roads. Under the hood, the carmaker installed a 2.9-liter engine, which was an evolution over the 2.6-liter one from the Stuttgart 260. The 1934 Cabriolet B offered 60 hp, but the engineers upgraded the engine to 68 hp from 1935. It was paired to a manual gearbox with direct-drive in third gear and a vacuum-selectable overdrive.
ENGINE SPECS - 290 (60 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2867 cm3 |
Power: | 44 KW @ 3200 RPM 60 HP @ 3200 RPM 59 BHP @ 3200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 67 mph (108 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Manual, 3 Speed |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Drums |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 6.50-17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 175.2 in (4450 mm) |
Width: | 68.1 in (1730 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.5/58.1 in (1,435/1,476 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 113.4 in (2880 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4056 lbs (1840 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4795 lbs (2175 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 13.8 mpg US (17 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 405 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 290 (68 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2867 cm3 |
Power: | 50 KW @ 3200 RPM 68 HP @ 3200 RPM 67 BHP @ 3200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 67 mph (108 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Manual, 4 Speed |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Drums |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 6.50-17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 175.2 in (4450 mm) |
Width: | 68.1 in (1730 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.5/58.1 in (1,435/1,476 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 113.4 in (2880 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4056 lbs (1840 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4795 lbs (2175 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
Combined: | 13.8 mpg US (17 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 405 g/km |