Mercedes-Benz W10
Encyclopedia
The Mercedes-Benz Mannheim 350 replaced the W03 350 models in 1929. The structure originated by Ferdinand Porsche
was modified by Hans Nibel .
” and “actual
” horsepower.
In essence the car followed the construction of the its predecessor. However, the wheelbase was reduced by 230 mm (9 inches) and the vehicle even in standard form was a little lighter. In addition to the “Tourer” (two door four seater cabriolet) body, the car was available as a four door saloon and as a “Pullman Limousine”
The straight-six 3444 cc engine was also carried over from the predecessor model. In this application an output of 70 PS (51 kW) was claimed, delivered to the rear wheels through a three speed gear box controlled through a centrally mounted lever.
Both axles were rigid, suspended on semi-elliptical leaf springs. Cable-operated brakes provided stopping power to all four wheels. The stated maximum speed was 95 km/h (59 mph).
Launched alongside the Mannheim 350 was the Mannheim 370. In this form, the car had a straight-six 3689 cc. Output of 75 PS (55 kW) was claimed. The three speed gear box was offered, at extra cost, with a fourth higher ratio. The maximum speed claimed for the Mannheim 370 was 100 km/h (62 mph)
Only cabriolet bodied versions of the 370K were offered. The reduced size of the car permitted a maximum speed of 105 km/h (65 mph) to be claimed.
The 380S came on the standard 3200 mm (126 in) wheelbase, but the car was distinguished by its longer eight cylinder side-valve engine. Claimed output of the 3820 cc unit was 80 PS (59 kW).
Available with a choice of cabriolet bodies, the car, like its six cylinder sibling, rode on two rigid axels suspended on semi-elliptical leaf springs. A top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) was claimed.
A superficially comparable version of the car which appeared towards the end of the product run, the 380S (W19) appeared with swing axle rear suspension and a cross mounted leaf spring arrangement at the front. Reflecting the extent of the change, this model acquired its own internal model number, W19, which differentiates it from the other members of the Mannheim line. This car can really be seen as a prototype for the car’s Type 380 (W22) successor.
A still higher compression ratio accounted for a claimed increase in output to 85 PS (62.5 kW)
Ferdinand Porsche
Ferdinand Porsche was an Austrian automotive engineer and honorary Doctor of Engineering. He is best known for creating the first hybrid vehicle , the Volkswagen Beetle, and the Mercedes-Benz SS/SSK, as well as the first of many Porsche automobiles...
was modified by Hans Nibel .
Mercedes-Benz Type Mannheim 350 (1929 - 1930)
In contemporary records the car was also sold as the “Mercedes-Benz 14/70 PS”, reflecting respectively its “fiscalTax horsepower
The tax horsepower or taxable horsepower was an early system by which taxation rates for automobiles were reckoned in some European countries, such as Britain, Belgium, Germany, France, and Italy; some US states like Illinois charged license plate purchase and renewal fees for passenger...
” and “actual
Horsepower
Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
” horsepower.
In essence the car followed the construction of the its predecessor. However, the wheelbase was reduced by 230 mm (9 inches) and the vehicle even in standard form was a little lighter. In addition to the “Tourer” (two door four seater cabriolet) body, the car was available as a four door saloon and as a “Pullman Limousine”
The straight-six 3444 cc engine was also carried over from the predecessor model. In this application an output of 70 PS (51 kW) was claimed, delivered to the rear wheels through a three speed gear box controlled through a centrally mounted lever.
Both axles were rigid, suspended on semi-elliptical leaf springs. Cable-operated brakes provided stopping power to all four wheels. The stated maximum speed was 95 km/h (59 mph).
Mercedes-Benz Type Mannheim 370 (1929 - 1935)
In contemporary records the car was also sold as the “Mercedes-Benz 15/75 PS”Launched alongside the Mannheim 350 was the Mannheim 370. In this form, the car had a straight-six 3689 cc. Output of 75 PS (55 kW) was claimed. The three speed gear box was offered, at extra cost, with a fourth higher ratio. The maximum speed claimed for the Mannheim 370 was 100 km/h (62 mph)
Mercedes-Benz Type Mannheim 370 K (WK10) (1930 - 1933)
From 1930 the 370K was offered with a wheelbase shortened by 175 mm (7 inches).Only cabriolet bodied versions of the 370K were offered. The reduced size of the car permitted a maximum speed of 105 km/h (65 mph) to be claimed.
Mercedes-Benz Typ Mannheim 370 S (WS10) (1930 - 1933)
Shorter still, on a wheelbase of just 2850 mm (112 inches) was the 370S, available only with roadster or sport-cabriolet bodies. The maximum speed on these versions was stated as 115 km/h (71 mph). In 1933 the manufacturers increased the compression ratio from 5.5:1 to 5.75:1 with a corresponding increase in power output to 78 PS (57.3 kW) at 3400 rpmMercedes-Benz Typ Mannheim 380 S (WS10) (1932 - 1933)
In contemporary records the car was also sold as the “Mercedes-Benz 15/80 PS”The 380S came on the standard 3200 mm (126 in) wheelbase, but the car was distinguished by its longer eight cylinder side-valve engine. Claimed output of the 3820 cc unit was 80 PS (59 kW).
Available with a choice of cabriolet bodies, the car, like its six cylinder sibling, rode on two rigid axels suspended on semi-elliptical leaf springs. A top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) was claimed.
Mercedes-Benz Typ 380 S (W19) (1932 - 1933)
In contemporary records the car was also sold as the “Mercedes-Benz 15/85 PS”A superficially comparable version of the car which appeared towards the end of the product run, the 380S (W19) appeared with swing axle rear suspension and a cross mounted leaf spring arrangement at the front. Reflecting the extent of the change, this model acquired its own internal model number, W19, which differentiates it from the other members of the Mannheim line. This car can really be seen as a prototype for the car’s Type 380 (W22) successor.
A still higher compression ratio accounted for a claimed increase in output to 85 PS (62.5 kW)
Commercial
The cars were too large and expensive ever to sell in large numbers, though the Mannheim 370 broke the 1,000 units barrier. Overall production was as follows:- W10 350: .........65 cars
- W10 370: ....1,375 cars
- W10 370 S: ....183 cars
- W10 380 S: .......94 cars
- W19 380 S: .......20 cars