About Mercedes-Benz Typ 320 Cabriolet B (W142)
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.