The Mercedes-Benz W 142 (Mercedes-Benz Typ 320) was a six-cylinder passenger car launched in February 1937, as a successor to the Mercedes-Benz Typ 290 (Mercedes-Benz W 18).[1] The car was known by its name Typ 320 at the time of its production and service, but is in retrospect commonly referred to using its Mercedes-Benz works number, "W142", which gives a more unambiguous, unique nomenclature.
W142/I: 1937–1938
The standard-wheelbase version of the W142 shared its 2880 mm wheelbase with the standard versions of its predecessor, but a more streamlined form with longer overhangs meant that even in this form the W142 was substantially longer and indeed wider than the earlier car. The front grill was gently raked backwards, and there was no longer a bar in front of it to carry lights, all of which gave the car a more sporting look than the model it replaced.[1]
Power came from a newly enlarged, 3,208 cc side-valve, straight-six engine with a listed maximum output of 78 PS at 4,000 rpm, supporting a claimed top speed of 130 km/h. This was delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission which, unusually in the 1930s, incorporated synchromesh on all four ratios. The footbrake used a hydraulic control mechanism and operated on all four wheels.