Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942
In 1937, the aging Mercedes-Benz 290 was replaced by the newer 320. At last, the customers could have more power for the luxury German brand and a wider choice of bodyworks.
Like its predecessor, the 320 was offered with two wheelbases and it was available in more shapes. For those who wanted to go for a custom coach-builders, Mercedes-Benz offered the car as a chassis. The Cabriolet B was one of the best convertible versions built in-house by the German car-maker.
With a long wheelbase of 3.3 m (130”), the Cabriolet B featured a long hood with side-mounted spare wheels and long arched fenders. The headlights were mounted between the fenders and the engine compartment, not requiring a bar anymore as it was for the 290 model. In the back, there was a locking trunk.
Inside, the car featured two seats in the front and a bench in the rear The instrument panel featured a coolant temperature gauge. All three dials were installed in the middle of the dashboard. A big, four-spoke, steering wheel increased the luxurious look of the car.
Before 1938, the engine was an inline-six with a 3.2-liter displacement. Due to the expected shortage of fuel quality, in 1938 the engine was increased up to 3.4-liter, but without decreasing the power. The gearbox was a 4-speed manual and a separate lever for a high-gear, needed for the highway cruising, with a 1: 0.73 ratio.
ENGINE SPECS - 320 | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 3208 cm3 |
Power: | 57 KW @ 4000 RPM 78 HP @ 4000 RPM 76 BHP @ 4000 RPM |
Torque: | 161 lb-ft @ 1700 RPM 218 Nm @ 1700 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 78 mph (126 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: | 6.50-17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 206.7 in (5250 mm) |
Width: | 69.7 in (1770 mm) |
Height: | 70.5 in (1791 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.1/58.1 in (1,476/1,476 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 129.9 in (3299 mm) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 13.7 mpg US (17.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 408 g/km |