1933 Mercedes-Benz 380 Roadster

380 Roadster image

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The Mercedes-Benz 380 Roadster 1933 is a vintage vehicle, considered by automobile enthusiasts as a true classic. This magnificent vehicle has an impressive technical profile, blending performance, style, and innovation in a single package. The car was powered by a 3.8-liter straight-six engine that was built on the same platform as the legendary Mercedes-Benz SSK. The engine generates an impressive 120 horsepower and pairs with a four-speed manual transmission.

The 380 Roadster is quite an automobile. For starters, the chassis is constructed of hand-welded, double-walled box-section steel, with a unique cross-bracing design that incorporates drop rings at each end. The suspension system consists of traditional leaf springs on the rear, and double-swing axle up front, supplemented with twin coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers for a smooth ride. The car's steering is exceptional, with a worm and peg system with double steering boxes for excellent response and feel.

The 380 Roadster boasts a fantastic body design, with a length of over sixteen feet and a height of roughly five feet. The vehicle sits on 19-inch wire-spoke wheels, wrapped in white-wall tires, with the wheelbase measuring 2,980mm. The body of the car is mostly made of aluminum, polished to a brilliant sheen, with multi-layered ebonized ash frames that provide an incredibly robust and durable structure.

Furthermore, the interior of the 380 Roadster is equally impressive, with just the right blend of durability and sophistication. The seats, door inserts, and surface panels are all upholstered with top-grain leather, while the dashboard, door cappings, and other accents showcase the same fine ebonized ash. Other features of the interior include a small but comprehensive gauge cluster, a floor-mounted shifter, and sufficient headroom, despite the low roofline.

The braking system on the 380 Roadster is quite advanced, especially for a vintage vehicle. The car feature four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes that handle remarkably well due to the car's light weight of just 1,600kg. The system uses a dual master cylinder that ensures balanced braking power, even in an emergency. Other interesting technical aspects of the 380 Roadster include the hand-operated windshield wipers and manual soft-top roof that provides ample protection from the elements.

In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz 380 Roadster 1933 is a veritable masterpiece of a vintage automobile, designed with the extreme attention to detail and quality that has long been a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering. With its unique aesthetic appeal and impressive technical features, this car is sure to delight any enthusiast or collector.

Milestones

- Introduced in 1933 as a replacement for the Mercedes-Benz 290 Roadster - Featured a 3.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 90 horsepower - Was one of the first Mercedes-Benz models to incorporate a four-speed manual transmission - Had a top speed of around 95 miles per hour - Utilized independent suspension on all four wheels, which was advanced for its time - Body design included a sleek, aerodynamic look with a low-slung grille and sweeping fenders - Was considered a luxury sports car, with a high price tag of $5,500 at the time - Only 154 units were produced over the course of two years, making it a rare collectible today - Has been featured in various classic car shows and auctions and is highly sought after by collectors.


Technical

- Engine: 3.8-liter six-cylinder, inline - Power: 90 horsepower - Transmission: Four-speed manual - Top speed: 85 miles per hour - Suspension: Independent front and rear - Brakes: Four-wheel hydraulic drum - Wheelbase: 117 inches - Length: 167 inches - Curb weight: 3,858 pounds - Body style: Two-door, two-seater convertible - Production years: 1933-1934 - Production numbers: Approximately 154 units - Original price: $3,900

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