1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K La Baule Transformable by Saoutchik

1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K La Baule Transformable by Saoutchik

Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft had introduced the world's first supercharged production cars, the 6/25/40hp and 10/40/65hp four-cylinder models, at the 1921 Berlin Automobile Show. (The three figures refer to nominal rated horsepower, horsepower un-blown and horsepower with blower engaged respectively). On his arrival early in 1923, Porsche busied himself further developing the blown four and eight-cylinder racers designed by Paul Daimler, and the 15/70/100hp and 24/100/140hp supercharged, six-cylinder production models that would debut at the Berlin Automobile Show in 1924. After the 1926 merger these were reclassified as types 400 and 630. That same year a 'K' (Kurz = Short) version became available for the first time, on a wheelbase reduced from 12' 4" to 11' 2" (3,750 to 3,400mm). Displacing 6.3 liters, the 630K's single-overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine produced a mighty 140PS (138bhp) with the Roots supercharger engaged (by pressing the throttle pedal to the floor) and in this specification the 630K could justifiably claim to be the world's fastest production touring car, with a top speed of over 90mph (145km/h).

Affordable by only the wealthiest of connoisseurs, the Model K was produced in strictly limited numbers, only 267 of all types being completed between 1926 and 1932. In Germany these would have been bodied by the likes of Erdmann & Rossi, Reuter, Papler, Zschau and Balzer while others were fitted with 'factory' coachwork by Sindelfingen. Some chassis found owners in the USA and were bodied there but the rarest Model Ks are those few completed with exotic coachwork by companies such Stabilimenti Farina or Carrozzeria Castagna, and off course; Carrosserie Saoutchik.

Descriptions & pictures by bonhams & mystarcollectorcar & en.wheelsage & other