1936 Mercedes-Benz 230 Saloon

　　The W143 began its career as a special version of the long

　　wheelbase 200. From May 1936, a 55 hp engine was available at an

　　additional price of RM, (Reichsmark), 175. Although the model

　　designation of this 2.3 liter version initially remained unchanged,

　　the same was not true of the in house design code, which was

　　changed to W143 for the higher displacement model with increased

　　power output. Production of the 2 liter long wheelbase variant was

　　cut back sharply in May 1936, before being phased out entirely in

　　July 1936. Although, therefore, the 2.3 liter model served as a

　　genuine successor, the model designation was not changed until the

　　end of September 1936, when it was renamed 230. Thx

　　toMercedes-Benz-Publicarchive.com

　　For consignment, a restored 1936 Mercedes 230 Saloon. Saloons

　　present as four door cars with three distinct sections; front

　　engine, middle occupant space, and trunk. The restoration was

　　completed in 2005 and detailed receipts of the work with

　　photographs will accompany the car.

　　Exterior

　　Glossy black paint envelopes this car and with the black wheels,

　　the car has a stately if not sinister look. A beautiful chrome

　　grille and light bar lead the car and a tristar hood ornament

　　stands tall. The fender mounted marker lights are also housed in

　　flawless chrome and the spare tires on each side are fitted into

　　the fender and held in place with a polished bar. The vertical

　　windshield is framed in thick chrome trim, while the back window is

　　recessed into the bodywork. The center hinge dictates that the

　　front doors open suicide style, and the rear doors open in the

　　traditional manner. The bulbous rear truck has polished external

　　hinges and the small round tail lights are mounted low on the rear

　　fenders. The canvas vinyl top is in excellent condition but we note

　　a Z-shaped scratch is noted on one fender and some scuffing on the

　　bottom of another.

　　Interior

　　Swing open the door to reveal a parlor like quality with wood and

　　oxblood leather and a velvet like map pocket. A leather strap

　　secured to the door jamb assures the door opens to a limit. The

　　front bucket seats are also oxblood leather and low backed with

　　substantial cushioning on the seat bottom. The rear bench mirrors

　　the material and pattern and looks virtually unused. Each window is

　　trimmed in beautiful, warm toned wood which continues on the

　　wonderfully sculpted dash. A center gauge cluster has a speedometer

　　in kilometers and authentic vintage font. The shifter has a

　　pewter-like knob engraved with Roman numerals to indicate gear

　　selection. Hinges and bottom levers allow the windscreen to be

　　pushed open for ventilation. The dark red carpet and velvet like

　　headliner are in impeccable condition and the entire interior is a

　　very pleasant place.

　　Drivetrain

　　The 2.3 liter inline six cylinder engine is fed by a 1-barrel

　　carburetor and is connected to a 4-speed manual transmission, so

　　brush up on those Roman numerals! Power is sent to the rear wheels

　　and 4.70 gears. Drum brakes occupy all four wheels. The engine bay

　　represents better than driver quality but does show some usage.

　　Undercarriage

　　The undercarriage is generally clean with some road dust indicating

　　the car may have been driven in damp, but not wet conditions. Some

　　surface rust on the front leaf spring, nothing major, and some oil

　　on the front crossmember at the junction of the engine and

　　transmission. The rear axle has some residual oil but does not

　　appear to be actively leaking. The single exhaust travels down the

　　right side of the driveshaft, intersecting a stock style muffler

　　along the way, then jogs to the center where it exits out the back.

　　There's a transverse leaf spring up front and independent

　　suspension with coil springs in back with two springs flanking the

　　axle of each side.

　　Drive-Ability

　　We started the car and noticed the carburetor could use some

　　adjustment, but the engine runs smooth. Like most Mercedes Benz's,

　　it feels solid. Yes, even doors in 1936 shut with a distinctive

　　thud. The car rolls nicely on 17-inch wheels and feels planted and

　　substantial. The long high hood takes some getting used to, but we

　　settled into the oxblood seats and enjoyed the short drive. We note

　　the brake lights did not work and there is some noise from the

　　throwout bearing.

　　Here's one that escaped unscathed from the war and was imported to

　　the U.S. where it went through a restoration now nearly 20 years

　　old but holding up well. These solid vehicles are beautifully

　　designed and appointed and have a distinct profile. Contact the

　　mall if this one sparks your interest.

　　Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and

　　collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate

　　controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8

　　acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic

　　and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,

　　Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the

　　I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit

　　or call us at (888) . Contact us

　　anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in

　　person.

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