When Mercedes-Benz tried to improve the Typ 200 range, it resulted in the Typ 230, also known as the W143 model.
Most of the customers paid the extra money for the bigger engine leading to an abrupt cut of the 2.0-liter unit in the middle of 1936. They also liked the longer wheelbase W143 over its predecessor, phased out in the same year. The German carmaker introduced a facelift for the W143, so it didn’t look exactly like the Typ 200. Mercedes unveiled that new version at the Frankfurt Motor and Motorcycle Show in February 1937.

The new generation received a shorter wheelbase version, code-name N, and a regular version which didn’t sport any additional letter behind the Typ 230 nameplate. On that chassis, Mercedes built the Pullman version. At the front, the Pullman featured wheel-arches mounted headlights and a chromed metallic bumper in front of the front wheels. Its slightly tilted back radiator resembled some of the sports cars from that era. Since it was longer than its stablemate, the vehicle sported an additional set of windows behind the rear doors. At the back, the slightly racked-forward rear end made room for a luggage compartment, which was accessible from the outside.

Mercedes-Benz made the Pullman available for up to six occupants, which rapidly became a standard request from the customers. Its rear-hinged front doors allowed the driver and side passenger to step down and open the rear doors quickly.

Under the hood, the German carmaker installed an inline-six engine with a 2.3-liter displacement, hence the car’s name, that provided 55 hp paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. Mercedes-Benz installed an independent suspension with leaf springs in all corners to provide more comfort and a better cornering speed.