Documents: Swiss Carte Grise with Veteran Code

Chassis No. 421180

Engine No. 191271

The 320 debuted as the successor to the 290 at the Berlin International Motor and Motorcycle Show in February 1937. Buyers welcomed the extra 10 PS from its 3,208-cc six, which improved the power-to-weight ratio and sharpened the 290's sporting character. In early 1939, the long-wheelbase cars received a 3,405-cc inline-six and a ZF overdrive that lowered engine speed by 25 percent for autobahn cruising.

This example wears striking two-tone red and black coachwork in the style of the Cabriolet A, with a vibrant Red leather interior. A polished wood dashboard and cream steering wheel frame a pearl-white instrument panel. It rides on chrome wire wheels shod with white sidewall tires, and two spare wheels are mounted at the rear. On a 3,300-mm wheelbase, a 3,405-cc six-cylinder engine rated at 78 PS drives through a ZF four-speed transmission with overdrive. Bosch headlamps, a Notek lamp, a radio, and a fitted luggage set suit the car to touring. Discreet electric power steering assist and front lap belts have since been fitted.

On 15 August 2026, noted German engineer and appraiser Klaus Kukuk examined the car and recorded his findings in a technical report available for review in the accompanying digital history file. He describes it as a renumbered Type 290 / 320 frame with a 1939-cast engine and rebodied with Cabriolet A-style coachwork. He found no corrosion on the frame and praised the workmanship of the interior and chrome. He graded each area of the car, from frame to paint, individually, and rated it overall as a car in good condition. Today the car carries the added benefit of obtaining Swiss Veteranenfahrzeug status with its current technical inspection.

With a zesty 78 PS six and an overdrive transmission, this Mercedes-Benz can be enjoyed guilt-free, whether on an alpine pass or a summer run along Zürichsee. Fold back the top, settle into the red leather, and tour in pre-war style.