LA 2007: 1936 Mercedes-Benz 290 Roadster Special

Posted Nov 18th 2007 2:12PM by Noah Joseph
Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Mercedes-Benz

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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.

Gallery: LA 2007: Mercedes 290 Special Roadster

Tags: 290, angeles, auto, benz, classic, la, los, mercedes, motor, orange, roadster, salon, show, special

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

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EMC @ Nov 18th 2007 6:50PM

Truely stunning. If only MB could re-capture this kind of feeling again...

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AMcA @ Nov 18th 2007 7:45PM

Glorious, but the orange is a bit much for a car of that era.

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darth @ Nov 18th 2007 8:20PM

now that is a mercedes-benz

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Otto Ingineer @ Nov 19th 2007 9:24AM

Right with you AmCA. Gorgeous car, but should be painted more appropriately, not the "trendy color du jour" (which is orange and variations right now).

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Luis @ Nov 19th 2007 2:15PM

Tou HAVE to see this car up-close. It is absolutely beautiful! The pictures don't convey the true color and craftsmanship.

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