1936 Mercedes-Benz 230

1936 Mercedes-Benz 230 Saloon

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 www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

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