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MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 7
First production year: 1937
Engines: Gasoline
MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 "Autobahnkurier" (W142) photo gallery

The 1938 model of the W142 Typ 320 was the last evolution over the model 290. It featured improvements for comfort and high-speed efficiency.

The Typ 320 featured a 3.2-liter engine in the beginning, in February 1937 when it was shown at the International Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition in Berlin. With it, the brand closed a gap in the market between medium-sized vehicles and vehicles of the largest format. The four-door version with streamlined bodywork was suspected to be designed by Spohn, one of the most prolific aerodynamically-shaped bodywork builders in the era.

The initial 3.2-liter engine featured 12 counter-weights for the crankshaft, to reduce engine vibrations. The solution worked and the engine ran smoothly. The former updraught carburetor was replaced by two downdraught carburetors. The previously used 4-speed transmission with overdrive function (it was, actually a three-speed gearbox), was replaced by a fully synchronized 4-speed gearbox supplied by ZF company. The fourth gear had a 1:1 gear ratio, which made the engine ran 26% lower than the previous version, at the same speed. That made the Typ 32 W142 IV faster and with a better fuel-efficiency. In late 1938, due to the shortage of high-octane fuel, the engine displacement was increased to 3.4-liter, in order to keep the same 78 hp.

The chassis featured an independent front suspension with a transverse leaf spring. At the top, the wheel was attached to a suspension arm that rested on a helical spring on the inside. The rear dual-joint swing axle had two helical springs on each side, one behind the other. Dual-action hydraulic lever-type dampers were installed on both front and rear axles.

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MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 N Kombinations-Coupe (W142) photo gallery

Mercedes-Benz launched the Typ 320 in 1937, and, besides sedans and convertibles, it also offered the car with a coupe bodywork on the regular-sized wheelbase that sported the N-letter in its name.

The W142 range was wide and comprised many bodywork versions. It was available as a limousine or military vehicle, the latter being known as the Kubelwagne. But the automaker knew that its customers wanted it to be a fast and luxurious vehicle, able to run at high speeds on the recently inaugurated highway system known as the Autobahn.

The 320 N's design was clearly inspired by the famous 540K, with its tapered radiator grille that was slightly tilted backward. While it wasn't exactly streamlined, it was not flat and vertical. Its curved, tall, and long front fenders that supported the headlights with horizontal struts resembled the bigger, more powerful sibling. The coupe's low roofline resembled the one from its main competitor, the BMW 327, but it looked sleeker. In addition, the rear-hinged doors made ingress and egress easier for the occupants.

Mercedes-Benz installed 2+1 seating inside, with two bucket seats at the front and a rear seat facing inwards that was offered as an option. It was an unusual solution that allowed enough room for a third person or a child. But on the other hand, the driver was spoiled with ample space, and the dials were mounted in the middle of the dashboard.

The carmaker opted for an inline-six powerplant for the drivetrain that could deliver just a mere 78 PS (77 hp) and paired it with a four-speed manual. The front suspension sported coil springs, while at the back, a floating axle sent the power to the ground.

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MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 N Kombinationswagen (W142) photo gallery

Mercedes-Benz introduced the Typ 320 in 1937 in several shapes and sizes and assigned the N-letter to the short wheelbase version, from Normal.

With the W142 range, Mercedes-Benz tried to cover most car segments with the same chassis and different bodyworks. Later on, the carmaker even built military vehicles, such as the Kubelwagen, and various closed-body versions. But there was a high demand for smaller, lighter roadsters that could carry mostly two people and travel fast on the new (then) Autobahn network.

The 320 N's design was clearly inspired by the famous 540K, with its tapered radiator grille that was slightly tilted backward. It wasn't exactly streamlined, but still, it was not flat and vertical. Its curved, tall, and long front fenders that supported the headlights with horizontal struts resembled the bigger, more powerful sibling. The short, rear-hinged doors allowed the occupants' easy ingress and egress. Even though it wasn't a true sports car, it offered a sloped, aerodynamic rear end. The spare wheel was mounted on the rear panel under a metallic cover.

Inside, Mercedes-Benz installed 2+1 seating, with two bucket seats at the front. In addition, a rear seat facing inwards found its place behind the driver's seat. It was an unusual solution that allowed enough room for a third person instead of installing a bench with no legroom. But, on the other hand, the driver was spoiled with ample space, and the dials were mounted in the middle of the dashboard.

The carmaker opted for an inline-six powerplant for the drivetrain that could deliver just a mere 78 PS (77 hp) and paired it with a four-speed manual. The front suspension sported coil springs, while at the back, a floating axle sent the power to the ground.

full description and technical specifications
MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 Limousine (W142) photo gallery

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.

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MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 Tourenwagen (W142) photo gallery

Mercedes-Benz replaced the Typ 290 in 1937 when it revealed the new Typ 320 lineup, which offered a better power-to-weight ratio and extensive bodywork choice.

Like the 290, the 320 was available with two wheelbases and a few shapes, or just as a bare chassis. Apart from the sedan and two-door convertible, the carmaker offered a four-door convertible with removable side windows.

Thanks to its long wheelbase of 3.3 m (130"), the Tourenwagen featured a long engine compartment with a pair of spare wheels mounted on its sides. The headlights were enclosed in more spherical housings, attached directly to the front fenders on cast legs. When the driver completely opened it, the car resembled the torpedo-style vehicles from the '20s, with the removable roof folded behind the cabin. Its shorter rear fenders cleared the path for the back door, easing up the ingress and egress for the back-seat passengers. For the same reason, the carmaker installed a set of side steps between the front and rear fenders.

Mercedes-Benz placed two leather-clad benches in the car for up to five occupants. The front one was wide enough for three adults, but the floor-mounted gear stick prevented a third middle passenger. 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.

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MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 Cabriolet B (W142) photo gallery

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.

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MERCEDES BENZ Typ 320 Cabriolet D (W142) photo gallery

After the world economic crisis from the beginning of the '30s, Mercedes-Benz started to expand again and introduced the Typ 320 lineup in a few shapes and sizes.

The carmaker made the new lineup with a choice of two wheelbases, as a closed or an open-type bodywork. That helped the German carmaker to offer the vehicle as a sedan, coupe, and convertible with two or four doors, such as the Cabriolet D, which was built on the longer version of the chassis, carried over from the Typ 290.

Imagined as a luxurious and fast vehicle, the Cabriolet D featured the new V-shaped radiator at the front flanked by the headlights. These were no longer mounted on a cross-bar in front of the radiator but between the fenders and the tall engine compartment. Its curved, exposed fenders were shorter to accommodate the spare wheels mounted on the sides and continued by the car's side steps. The open-top Cabriolet D featured cranked side windows for everyone. At the back, the carmaker installed a lockable trunk with shelves for luggage.

Thanks to the four-door bodywork, the ingress and egress were easy. Moreover, the driver's seat could have been tilted forward to help access both seats on the rear bench. Like its siblings, the Cabriolet D featured a four-spoke steering wheel, and the instrument panel was located in the middle of the dashboard.

Under the hood, Mercedes-Benz installed a 3.2-liter engine that was later on replaced by a 3.4-liter unit. Both versions were mated to a four-speed manual gearbox.

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