Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 115 ¤
1939 Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet Chassis no. 431033 Engine no. 431033
Sold for US$51,520 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 115¤
1939 Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet
1939 Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet
Chassis no. 431033
Engine no. 431033
Chassis no. 431033
Engine no. 431033
2,229cc Single L-Head Inline Six-Cylinder
Solex Dual Choke Downdraft Carburetor
55bhp at 3,600rpm
Four Speed Manual Transmission
Four-Wheel Coil Spring Independent Suspension
Four-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
* Rare example of a Mannheim side valve six Cabriolet B
* Quality Mercedes-Benz design and construction
* Modified at some point with American-style envelope fenders
* Neglected and in need of comprehensive restoration
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 230 (W 143)
During the late 1930's the Mannheim-built Mercedes-Benz 170 and 230 models were the backbone of M-B's commercial existence. In Stuttgart M-B would build the prestigious 8-cylinder overhead camshaft supercharged cars that have fully deserved respect but 1.7 liter and 2.3 liter cars provided the volume that kept Mercedes-Benz in the market.
They were solidly designed, and had similar technical features to the Stuttgart products like four-wheel independent coil spring suspension. Coachwork was typically not for Sindelfingen but still displayed much of the Sindelfingen flair and, of course, famed German craftsmanship. While most 230s were rather staid sedans and large cabriolets there were a few 2-door cabriolets and even the occasional roadster.
The value of a 1939 Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet A at the time was about 7,165 Reichsmarks, about $2,866.
THE CAR OFFERED
The early history of this 1939 Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet was described by the prior owner as being with its original buyer Heinrich Bettendorf of Frankfort until 1952. It was then sold to a U.S. citizen, David Noran, who brought it to the U.S. Sold to Irwin Charles Rosen in 1972, it was extensively restored in 1979 and sold the next year to Emanuel Z. Kopstein from whom it was apparently acquired by Harrah's, probably in 1982.
When acquired by Harrah's it was, as all new acquisitions were, reviewed for its equipment, configuration and condition. It was categorized as Condition 5A, "Acceptable for display, but with specific incorrect items", but also as to originality "The whole car with the exception to those items listed under missing or incorrect." There were no noted missing items.
That missed the obvious fact that both the front and rear fenders came from another car, probably American and possibly Cadillac. The hood side vents, too, do not appear to have been installed by Mercedes-Benz and data plate was obviously hand-lettered with a vibrating engraver. Where, when or by whom these features were fitted is unknown.
It subsequently was neglected including visible evidence of long term storage outside without protection. The paint is dull and chipped. The upholstery is faded, stiff, cracked and falling apart. The top is faded, dirty and stained. The interior wood trim and dashboard varnish is curdled and chipped.
It is a daunting but possibly rewarding project for someone with determination, perseverance and a deep knowledge of things Mercedes-Benz, subcategory Mannheim side valve 230.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 12 June 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 PDT
Lot symbols
| ¤ | No Reserve |
| Unless indicated by the ¤ symbol next to the lot number (or bearing an explicit statement such as "No Reserve" or "Without Reserve"), which denotes no reserve, all lots in the catalog are subject to a reserve. The reserve is the minimum hammer price that the seller is willing to accept for a lot. This amount is confidential and does not exceed the low estimate value. |
