1931→1933 Mercedes-Benz 370 S
Mercedes-Benz offered the 370 S as a short-wheel-base drivers car that was built alongside the larger 350, 380 and 370K models. It was officially rated at 15/75 HP and was produced shortly after the merger between Mercedes and Benz.
Many of the 370 S chassis received Sport Cabriolet bodywork from Mercedes-Benz that paved the way for even more dramatic cabriolets on the 500 K chassis.
In Detail
| tags | WS10, W10, 370s |
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1931 – 1933 |
| built at | Untertürkheim, Germany |
| production | 183 |
| engine | Inline-6 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| displacement | 3689 cc / 225.1 in³ |
| bore | 82.5 mm / 3.25 in |
| stroke | 115 mm / 4.53 in |
| compression | 5.75:1 |
| power | 57.3 kw / 76.8 bhp @ 3400 rpm |
| specific output | 20.82 bhp per litre |
| top speed | ~114.24 kph / 71 mph |
Auction Sales History
1931 Mercedes-Benz 15/75 PS Mannheim 370 S Roadster U 83903 – sold for €552,000
This particular example was first owned by Union Automobil GmbH in Berlin and then by an architect in Stuttgart. Its third owner was a cinema manager and its the fourth a film producer in Bavaria. The current owners discovered the Mannheim in the mid-1960s. They had just finished restoring another 370 S and were told about this car, which was stored in a garage next to a film studio. (The number plates from their first 370 S are currently on this one). After some 13 years of trying they finally managed to buy it in 1978.
A ‘frame off’ restoration was commenced in 1985 in the course of which a new fuel tank was made in stainless steel, the lighting and interior leather restored, and the woodwork and electrics renewed. Otherwise the car remains outstandingly original, its rust-free body having required no welding (see photographic record on file). One particularly noteworthy feature is this car’s shallow windscreen, which is 11cm shorter than those of other cars in this series, and contributes to its sporting appearance. The restoration was finished in 2000, since when the car has been driven only some 300-500 kilometres, remaining on display in the vendors’ garage at other times. Originally black but strikingly refinished in two-tone white/red with red leather interior, ‘83903’ represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of these rare Mannheim sports cars.
Auction Source: The Mercedes-Benz Sale 2015 by Bonhams
1931 Mercedes-Benz 370 S Mannheim Sport Cabriolet U84901 – sold for $671,000 Mercedes-Benz’s exciting “sports” model of the early 1930s. A genuine example with the original body, engine, and chassis. Formerly owned by Joe Loecy and Ernest J. Toth Sr. Regularly shown for 50 years. Well known and respected by enthusiasts.
Auction Source: Amelia Island 2014 by RM Auctions
