TYP 320 (W142) SOFT TOP - WWII GERMAN STAFF CAR

Mercedes-Benz W142 (another designation: Type 320) is a German passenger car that was first presented to the public in 1937. Serial production took place in 1937-1942. About 7,000 copies of this car were produced in its course, of which about 1,800 were made specifically for the needs of the German armed forces. The W142 model was originally developed as a civilian limousine to replace the Mercedes-Benz W18 model (another designation: Type 290). It differed from its predecessor, first of all, in a slightly changed styling, the use of other engines with larger displacement, as well as the dimensions, which were enlarged in order to increase the comfort of passengers. In total, four generations of this model were created in the course of serial production, while the third and fourth generations in particular clearly differed in style from the previous two, had a clearly reinforced structure and slightly changed engines (fourth generation). These two generations of cars were produced primarily for the needs of the German armed forces as staff cars. It is worth adding that also many cars of generation I and II were confiscated at the outbreak of the war and also served as staff cars. Regardless of the version, the Mercedes-Benz W142 cars served on almost all fronts of World War II from the very beginning, until the surrender of Berlin in May 1945. instruction.pdf