The Mercedes-Benz 130, internally designated as W23, marked a significant departure for the esteemed German manufacturer when it was unveiled at the Berlin show in February 1934. This pioneering vehicle, a predecessor in concept to the Volkswagen Beetle, showcased a bold step towards rear-engine design under the influence of the renowned Ferdinand Porsche.
The heart of the Mercedes-Benz 130 was a 1,308 cc air-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine, positioned longitudinally at the rear. This unconventional layout allowed the vehicle to achieve a respectable top speed of 92 km/h. Available in sedan, open-top sedan, and cabriolet body styles, the Mercedes-Benz W23 offered versatility alongside its innovative engineering. Ferdinand Porsche, then head of design and engineering, significantly shaped the 130’s development, drawing upon Daimler-Benz’s earlier experiments with rear-engine configurations dating back to 1927. These early explorations involved a swing-axle, rear-engine setup powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally-opposed engine, foreshadowing the design principles later seen in the 130.
Dubbed the 130H (‘Heckmotor’ signifying rear engine), the Mercedes-Benz W23 was introduced somewhat cautiously alongside the more traditional front-engine 170 model. It served as a clear inspiration for Dr. Porsche’s iconic Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle, which emerged just a few years later. Interestingly, Porsche’s departure from Daimler-Benz was reportedly acrimonious. His successor, Hans Nibel, who joined in early 1929, took over the responsibility of finalizing the engineering of this unique and forward-thinking vehicle. In 1936, a larger 1.7-litre version was introduced as a companion to the conventional 170, yet the “Mercedes-Benz Beetle,” as the 130 was sometimes nicknamed, never achieved widespread popularity in the same vein as its Volkswagen counterpart.
The specific Mercedes-Benz 130 example detailed here boasts a rich history, including prior ownership by the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Museum starting from November 1993. Before its museum acquisition, this right-hand drive model had resided in Australia. It was acquired in a restored state, but further restoration work was undertaken in 2011, focusing on the brakes, engine, electrical wiring, and sections of the body. Notably, the engine restoration was carried out by Motorentechnik Braun, a company recognized for its expertise in restoring high-value engines, including those for the Mercedes-Benz Museum’s prized 540 K models. The car’s exterior is finished in a distinctive two-tone light and dark brown, accentuating the streamlined body contours and providing a striking contrast with the light brown leather interior.
This Mercedes-Benz W23 has received official German TÜV certification, granting it full road legality. For prospective collectors and enthusiasts, comprehensive documentation is available, including its registration certificate, copies of all restoration invoices, the German TÜV report, and the original 1993 sales contract. This historically important vehicle embodies German automotive innovation, showcasing the combined engineering brilliance of both Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and Hans Nibel, making it a truly significant piece of automotive history for any discerning collection.
