The Type 290, or W18, Mercedes-Benz was available to the public for the first time in 1933, and it was offered on a chassis with a standard wheelbase of 2,870 millimetres. A long-wheelbase, 3,302-millimetre 290 chassis debuted in 1934, with several factory body offerings, including a six-seat touring car, a four-door saloon, four cabriolets (A, B, D, and the F Pullman), a Pullman limousine, a streamlined saloon, a roadster, and a bare chassis. Top speeds approached 65 mph, with the long-wheelbase 290 fitted with a four-speed gearbox and having a final drive ratio of 1:1.

As represented by the car offered here, the Cabriolet B was recognisable by its massive front-opening, or “suicide”, doors, which heightened the visual impression of the car’s interior room. Its sporty, open, two-door bodywork, long wheelbase, and deep black finish are complemented by such exterior features as colour-matched steel wheels with wide whitewall tyres, a tilt-out windshield, dual side-mounted spare tyres, trafficators, and a pair of landau irons. All of the brightwork has been refinished, and the black cloth top is older and presentable, despite some wear from storage, as is the matching cloth top boot.

The interior features quality red leather upholstery with matching carpeting. All of the passenger compartment components, including the lovely, unrestored gauge cluster, the clock and lighter, and the attractive aluminium-faced steering wheel, appear correct. The wooden dash and window frames have also been re-finished to a high degree. The engine bay is tidy, as is the underside, which has been cosmetically refinished. This very elegant Mercedes-Benz 290 Cabriolet B is a lesser-seen motor car in today’s classic car market. With its longer wheelbase and stately open air body, it will be a thrill to tour in or simply admire.