1931 Mercedes-Benz Type 370

Sold $134,400 USD

• A rare example of the short-wheelbase 370 K
• Attractive and well-presented restoration in superb colors
• Ideal for touring and events, with ample six-cylinder power
• A CCCA Full Classic

Prior to their 1926 merger, Mercedes and Benz were both known for sporting cars, so it was only natural that the post-merger hyphenated marque would continue in that idiom, building on the strength of their combined talents and experience. Of course, thoughts of these efforts can only bring to mind the legendary supercharged SS and SSK models and their eight-cylinder successors.

Frequently forgotten, though, are the touring automobiles that continued to emanate from the Stuttgart factory through World War II. In contrast to the sports cars, these models had side-valve engines, flat radiators, and artillery wheels. They were named for German towns, with the smallest being the Stuttgart and the mid-range being the Mannheim. For 1930, the K variant of the Mannheim 370 was introduced. The 370 K, with the K for >kurt, noting a short wheelbase, was 175 millimeters shorter than the standard 370, and was powered by a 3,689-cubic-centimeter side-valve, six-cylinder engine that could produce 74 brake horsepower, coupled with a three-speed transmission, which made possible a claimed top speed of 105 km/h. This style was available with cabriolet bodies from Mercedes in-house coachbuilder at Sindelfingen.

The attractive 370 K offered here, chassis number 84084, is believed to have been first delivered in August 1931 to Mrs. Greti Flury, of Oschwand, Switzerland, through Mercedes-Benzs branch in Zrich. It was later owned by one Gerd Keller, then by a prominent Portuguese collection from which the present owner acquired it in 2013. Today it wears a charming older restoration in dark blue with matching cloth top, body-color trafficators, and pinstriped artillery wheels, exhibiting minor patina to its paintwork and chrome plating. A set of side-mounted spare tires are each appointed with a pedestal mirror, which have been affixed by exquisite leather straps that have Mercedes beautifully embossed into them. In keeping with a previous owners eye for touring, tube-style shocks are fitted to the rear axle for added ride comfort, and a rear trunk, finished in tan carpet, holds the convertible top boot for fair weather motoring.

The result is an altogether lovely example of a most significant pre-war Mercedes-Benz model.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.