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MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 Limousine (W142) 1937-1938 Photos, engines & full specs

Segment: Medium Premium
Production years: 1937, 1938

MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 Limousine (W142) 1937-1938
MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 Limousine (W142) (1937-1938)

Mercedes-Benz introduced the 320 model in 1937 at the International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin, replacing the 290 lineup.

The German carmaker understood that the market wanted more power from their vehicles, and that's what it offered. Still, since there were few to complain about the chassis, it just slightly modified the one from the Typ 290, and that's one of the reasons why the Typ 320 was available with a choice of two wheelbases. The Limousine, closed version, was offered exclusively with the longer one.

Unlike the Tourenwagen version, the Limousine featured not only a new design but a new direction. Mercedes-Benz understood that the time of flat panels and angular shapes was gone and tried to create curved lines and body panels. Thus, the Typ 320 Limousin featured a V-shaped radiator grille and a narrow engine compartment covered with an arched hood. Thanks to the new, slimmer bumpers, the car was lighter than the Typ 290 and showed better proportions. From its profile, the three-window greenhouse ended with a vertical drop at the back.

Inside, the carmaker offered room for five adults and an option for seats or a bench at the front. Since the doors were hinged on the B-pillar, it was easier for the driver to open them for the rear passengers. The car was fitted with cloth upholstery or leather, depending on the options. A significant improvement for the car was adding a coolant-temperature gauge. The carmaker mounted it on the instrument panel next to the speedometer and tachometer.

Under the hood, Mercedes-Benz installed the same 3.2-liter inline-six as on the rest of the range. It paired it with a four-speed manual, and the fourth gear had a 1:1 gear ratio, which made the engine run 26% lower than the previous version at the same speed. That made the Typ 32 W142 IV faster and with better fuel-efficiency.

MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 Limousine (W142) 1937, 1938
  1 gasoline engine
  • 320

MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 Limousine (W142)
320

ENGINE SPECS - 320
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
Top Speed:78 mph (126 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:200.8 in (5100 mm)
Width:69.7 in (1770 mm)
Height:70.5 in (1791 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.1/59.1 in (1,476/1,501 mm)
Wheelbase:129.9 in (3299 mm)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4078 lbs (1850 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5346 lbs (2425 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:13.7 mpg US (17.2 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:408 g/km
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