LA 2007: 1936 Mercedes-Benz 290 Roadster Special
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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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
EMC 6:50PM (11/18/2007)
Truely stunning. If only MB could re-capture this kind of feeling again...
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darth 8:20PM (11/18/2007)
now that is a mercedes-benz
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AMcA 7:45PM (11/18/2007)
Glorious, but the orange is a bit much for a car of that era.
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Otto Ingineer 9:24AM (11/19/2007)
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 2:15PM (11/19/2007)
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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