1934 Mercedes Benz 380K Cabriolet A

1934 Mercedes Benz 380K Cabriolet A

Introduced at the Berlin Motor Show in February 1933, the Typ 380 (W22) was powered by a straight-eight overhead-valve engine of 3.8 litres capacity, while the chassis was an all-new state-of-the art design featuring independent suspension all round: by wishbones and coil springs at the front and swing axles at the rear. As such it represented a significant advance in roadholding and handling compared with the offerings of rival manufacturers, most of which still relied on beam axles and cart springs.

In basic form the Typ 380 came with 89bhp on tap, while if specified with the optional Kompressor (supercharger), two types of which were available, maximum power was raised to either 118 or 138 horsepower. There was also a four-speed gearbox with synchromesh on the upper two ratios, plus hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. Despite being widely admired for its refined chassis and powerful engine, the Typ 380 ceased production in 1934 and is one of the rarer Mercedes-Benz models of the between-the-wars period.

According to the Daimler-Benz factory archives, only 154 examples of the Mercedes-Benz 380 K were manufactured in 1933 and 1934.

Descriptions & Pictures by bonhams