LA 2007: 1936 Mercedes-Benz 290 Roadster Special

[PanterroR]

The SLR wasn't the only attention-grabbing roadster Daimler-Benz had on display at this year's LA show. Sitting front and center in between all the latest machinery from Mercedes was this unique classic, the 290 Special Roadster.

On loan from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA, the bright orange convertible was a one-off drophead version of the 290-series flagship sedan that debuted in February 1933 at the Berlin Motor Show. Taking the place in Benz's 30's line-up where the S-Class sits today, the 290 came in short- and long-wheelbase versions (for personal or chauffeured use) and adopted the company's then-new swing axle technology.

This convertible is one-of-a-kind, built in 1936. It packs a 68hp 2.8-liter straight six driving through a 3-speed transmission and wrapped in some truly classic sheetmetal that gives you an idea for where the guys at Wiesmann may have drawn their inspiration. Check out the gallery below for all the elegant curves and details.








Source: LA 2007: 1936 Mercedes-Benz 290 Roadster Special - Autoblog

 

[LaArtist]

amazing car..they dont make em like this anymore...

 

[PanterroR]

..they dont make em like this anymore...

No $h!t!

Amazing that at least 10 people from this board, addicted to this car, didn't reply so far...

Rob, wimmer?

 

[donau]

Looks like a sporty/flashy version of 170. The suicide doors, the sprare tire mold at the back, the fenders, the grill, the steering wheel, the hub caps... beautiful...except the color is a matter of taste I guess...

I don't know why they don't make some retro, novelty models nowadays....the new beetle isn't doing too poorly...

 

[LaArtist]

No $h!t!

By they i meant the car industry as a whole....
you still agree with me?

 

[SDNR]

No $h!t!

Amazing that at least 10 people from this board, addicted to this car, didn't reply so far...

Rob, wimmer?

Well not this particular model. This is a 290, a smaller and much more affordable car than the K models (500K and 540K Spezial Roadsters).

With so many models and body-types, these old Mercs can be very confusing.

The K models were bigger and much more prestigious.

But this car you posted is also very nice and still very valuable.

Here you can see the difference:

Mercedes-Benz 290 Roadster (similar to the orange one above)


Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster

 

[Gullwing]

I like the color. Not sure that would be my first choice, but I do like it.
It would be great just to get a set of those wheel caps, hang them on the wall.
Beautiful car all around

 

[dOmInIX]

With so many models and body-types, these old Mercs can be very confusing.

The K models were bigger and much more prestigious.

Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster

I guess this explains what you said
Between 1936 and 1939 only 419 cars of the type 540K were delivered by Mercedes-Benz in a variety of 10 body styles. Of the Special Roadster only 25(or 26?) examples were built and today only 10 models remain in the world.
amazing car!

 

[cawimmer430]

Wonderful car, for sure.

That color doesn't look stock though. I mean as far as I know "bright orange" wasn't very popular in the 1930s at all!

 

[modena_360stradale]

Whoaaa wait a minute...if this is from the Classic Center, how is Hyman Ltd. selling it ($595,000)?

Reproduction/replica? Was it sold? It has the same number plates:

Website: Hyman Ltd. -- Mercedes 290