1931 Mercedes-Benz 370 S Mannheim Sport Roadster

Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: U83900
Mot Expiry: None

Following the merger of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and "Benz & Cie" in 1926, Ferdinand Porsche found himself in charge of the newly formed Mercedes-Benz's engineering pool. Tasked with creating a range that would play to the strengths of both partners as well as boost sales, one of his first designs was a medium-sized six-cylinder model destined to be built in the former Benz & Cie Mannheim works. Based on a conventional leaf-sprung ladder frame chassis, the Mannheim Mercedes was powered by a 3.1 litre sidevalve engine. Beautifully wrought, it was progressively developed by first Porsche and then from 1928 by his successor Hans Nibel. Thus, by 1931 the Mannheim had grown to 3.7 litres. Equipped with a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes, it could be had in standard (370), short-wheelbase (370K) or open sports (370S) guises. Boasting twin-carburettors, this latter variant was quoted as developing 78bhp @3,200rpm (which reputedly translated into a nigh on 80mph top speed). Available as a Cabriolet or Roadster only, its wonderfully elongated bonnet, flowing wings and vertical radiator gave it a road presence disproportionate to its compact 112-inch wheelbase. Lighter and more agile than its domineering SS siblings, it proved equally exclusive (total 370S Manheim production has been put at just 195 units). Needless to say, it attracted an impressive clientele including the likes of Silver Arrows racing ace Rudolf Caracciola.
Finished in red over black with tan leather upholstery, this particular left-hand drive Sport Roadster example (differentiated from the Cabriolet by its lack of running boards) has been part of the collection since 1995. A former multiple prize winner in America (Classic Car Club of America '1st Prize' National Competition Number 1748, Antique Automobile Club of America '1st Senior Prize' 1992 and Veteran Motor Car Club of America Award of Excellence), it has also attended various European concours events (Apeldoorm, The Netherlands 2000 and Schloss Schwetzingen, Germany 2002). According to research carried out by Peter Wilbers on behalf of Mr Van Dijk: "This car was ordered on 31-03-1931 by Mr Fischer of ballbearing factory Kugelfischer of Schweinfurt. The car was delivered by the factory directly to Mr Fischer without arbitrage by any Daimler-Benz agent whatsoever. This unique event probably originated in the fact that Mr Fischer's company, Kugelfischer, acted as a supplier to Daimler-Benz. As far as can be determined, the main user of this car was Mrs Fischer". Fitted with twin side-mounted spare wheels, a metal cased luggage trunk and Raydyot windscreen pillar mounted spotlights, it was road tested by Classic & Sportscar editor James Elliot for the magazine's August 2005 issue. A rare car made doubly so by its history, it is surely a must-have for any serious Mercedes' collector.

PLEASE NOTE: This 370S is a sport roadster as described in the text and not a cabriolet as listed in the catalogue title.