Markings

Typ 320 (W142) Cabriolet, France, 1940

Typ 320 (W142) Cabriolet, unknown Luftwaffe unit, 1940

Typ 320 (W142) Cabriolet, Eastern Front, 1943

Typ 320 (W142) Cabriolet, NJG1 (Nachtjagdgeschwader 1), probably 1943

The Mercedes-Benz 320, also known as the W142, was developed at the design bureau of Daimler-Benz AG and began production in 1937. It had a six-cylinder engine with a volume of 3.2 liters (3.4 liters in later versions) and 78 horsepower. The model was available with a short (2880 mm) or long (3300 mm) wheelbase and various body styles. The Cabriolet body variant was available in a long wheelbase version. The four-seater version had two doors and four side windows; the roof was soft and could be folded down to protect it from the weather. This vehicle was often seen in the Wehrmacht, with some retaining civilian license plates. It was used as a staff car and was also used to transport senior commanders.