Mercedes 8/38 HP
Mercedes 8/38 HP (W 02) |
Engine | In-line six-cylinder (M 6506) |
Displacement | 1991 cm³ |
Bore * stroke | 65 * 100 mm |
Compression | 5 : 1 |
Crankshaft | 7-bearing |
Cylinder block | Cast iron |
Piston | Cast iron |
Cylinder head | Cast iron |
Engine control | SV |
Mixture preparation | Side-draft carburetor |
Max. power | 28 kW (38 HP) |
Rated speed | 3400 rpm |
Power drive | Front engine with rear drive |
Clutch | Single disc, dry |
Transmission | Three-speed |
Suspension f/r | Rigid axle, leaf spring |
Steering | Finger |
Brakes f/r | Drums, mechanically |
Tyres | 30 x 5,25/5,75 |
Wheelbase | 2810 mm |
Length | 4060 mm |
Width | 1680 mm (Lim.) |
Height | 1800 mm (Lim.) |
Tank capacity | 45 liter |
Top speed | Approx. 80 km/h |
Sales price | Since 7.800 RM (1927) |
Manufactured | 1926 - 1929 |
For Mercedes-Benz this car is a small revolution, but especially important when one more looks on the economic development. It is the first of repeated attempts later, an existing, well established model series to complement by a less expensive. It aims to get the by now gained image the Mercedes for the middle class, so to speak.
Ferdinand Porsche, who at the time chief designer of the new company group of Daimler and Benz, probably have been forced to do. Perhaps he has foreseen the difficulties. For a fraction of the price to build a although less powerful, but nevertheless from the big not totally distinctive car. Sure, it becomes somewhat smaller, but he also has a six cylinder. And the lack of a transmission gear can not really affect the calculation.
The car is urgently needed, because the production of automobiles in Germany shall quadruple in the coming years. Also, there is no guarantee that there will always be enough rich people, who can afford a Mercedes from about 35,000 RM. Once already after the First World War one had to produce in addition to bicycles in Sindelfingen even furniture. A small car would bring safely the company through difficult times. How clear-sighted, about 3 years before the major stock market crash.
To make such a decision is truly easier than to implement them into practice. The problems promptly followed after the market introduction. Usually these appear in the form of customer complaints. Which perhaps was clear that a body of nearly 8000 RM can not be accurately primed and sanded as many times as the big, but tight doors one can already require from such a world company. These symptoms are rather harmless to others, concerning the engine, gearbox and the brakes.
It will take a while to establish the car in Mercedes quality and cost the company millions, because angered customers can and will not be afforded. But without this model, it would probably not survived the coming times. Mercedes itself states that in the first full year of production as many 8/38 are built, 1926 altogether have been produced. This finally ensures the utilization of the capabilities created by the fusion.
The new car also shows significant progress. It is not just made for chauffeurs, but for people who want to drive the car itself. According to it are the needed less maintenance. This includes the oil pump derived from the transmission for continuous supply of lubrication points, of which 8 only have left. However, where the oil remains, about this at the time nobody thought .... 08/08
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