It was the changing era for Mercedes-Benz and, in 1933, it unveiled the Model 380 (W22) at the International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin.
A new era began for the German carmaker when Dr. Hans Nibel and the chief designer Max Wagner tried to make a new roadster to replace the former 500K and the SSK. Everything was new on the new 380 model, from the sport chassis to the engine and bodywork.

The carmaker installed the engine further back behind the front axle for better weight distribution. Its pinned-out shape of the radiator grille was typical for the German carmaker, while other brands already started to stop using it. Its three headlights system was supported by an arched, transverse bar mounted between the ample wheel-fenders. On the sides of the engine compartment, the carmaker installed two spare wheels.

Inside the cabin, Mercedes-Benz installed a wood dash panel where the instrument panel took center stage. Its five-dials and gauges, plus a clock, offered a sporty image for the German convertible. Since the engine was pushed backward, the cabin had to be moved further back and forced the engineers to create a dual-arched gear-stick that started well under the dashboard. Its two seats were leather upholstered.

Mercedes-Benz launched the 380 with an inline-six engine but replaced it soon with an inline eight with or without a supercharger. Worth mentioning that the carmaker offered the possibility to install it afterward. Later on, in 1934, it introduced the inline-eight with over-head valves and built-in compressor, plus an enlarged displacement up to 4.0-liter. The three-speed manual with overdrive was the only option. Worth mentioning that the 380 featured independent suspension in all corners with a new trapezoidal system at the front and swing axles in the rear, plus coil springs. Due to the car’s weight, Mercedes-Benz installed hydraulic brakes on the 380.

The B-model had a styling identical to that of its hard-top 4-door sibling with the same body-line.
The only differences comprised a 2-door configuration and seating layout which could accommodate up to three passengers with an optional rear bench. While the saloon had a steeply drawn rear-end with zero boot capacity, the Cabriolet sported an elongated rear end that was transformed into a much welcome luggage compartment. Extra storage room was provided by a rear-mounted folding load bed which allowed the fitting of a supplementary travel chest. Power was also reduced for the supercharged version with a decrease to 120 hp.

The 380 model was unveiled at the 1933 International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin.
The 380 served as the successor to the legendary six-cylinder supercharged “SS” and “SSK” models.

The 380 model (W 22) was a typical product of changing times. These changing times arrived at Daimler-Benz in the early 1930s and were ushered in above all by technical director Dr. Hans Nibel and his chief designer, Max Wagner. It was a transition model, which tried to get rid of the rigid axles and introduce the new swing-axle in the back and front independent suspension with coil springs.

On the outside, the 380 kept the distinctive pointed radiator grille. At the beginning of the 20th century, that shape was a common stylistic feature to more car-makers. In the 1920s, it started to fade away from the market, but it continued to be installed on the large supercharged models from Mercedes-Benz.

The 380 was offered as a convertible, coupe, four-door sedan, and chassis with engine and steering for further coach-builders. Some customers chose the latter version not because it was cheaper but because they wished a custom-built bodywork.

There were three different engine versions brought out in three years. Along with a six-cylinder unit, Daimler-Benz developed an inline-eight with side-valves that failed to live up to expectations. It was rebuilt with overhead valves and offered 90 hp in naturally aspirated version or 120 hp with the help of a supercharger. A third version was fitted with a different supercharger offering up to 140 hp. The last in the line was a 4.0-liter unit with a supercharger that provided the same output. All of them were mated to a three-speed transmission with overdrive.