1937 Mercedes-Benz Type 230 Special Roadster
- Engine
- 2.2L inline six-cylinder, side-valve, single Solex carburetor, 55 bhp at 3,600 rpm
- Colour
- Red
The 1937 Mercedes-Benz Type 230 Special Roadster (chassis 155157) is among only 38 short-wheelbase examples produced, offered exclusively in that model year. Built at Sindelfingen with coachwork designed in-house, it features a two-seat body with a concealed rumble seat and retains the 106.3-inch wheelbase from 1936 paired with the new W143 generation's fully synchronized four-speed gearbox. After a lengthy dormancy in German ownership, the car was restored and has been part of a Southern California Mercedes collection since 2013.
Ownership
- 2019-01-17Auction saleSold US$150,000
- 1980 →Private saleGerman ownerpartial documentation
Acquired the car in the Netherlands and used it until around 1986, after which it sat unused for roughly 27 years. During that dormant period, restoration and refurbishment work was carried out, including a repaint in original red and replacement of the leather interior.
- 2013-04-01 →Private saleSouthern California Mercedes collectorpartial documentation
Purchased the car from Germany as part of a notable Mercedes collection; vendor reports all systems operational at time of consignment.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Modification
The original engine block was replaced with an unnumbered unit at an undetermined date, possibly before the Second World War.
The replacement date is unknown; the prose suggests it may have occurred as far back as the prewar era.
- —Restoration
Comprehensive restoration and refurbishment carried out by the German owner prior to 2013, including a repaint in the original red and replacement of the cream leather interior.
The aluminum brightwork was also refreshed, though it retains a light patina. Work was completed after a storage period that began no later than 1986 and lasted roughly 27 years.
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