The Mercedes Benz W23, more commonly known as the Mercedes-Benz 130, stands as a testament to early automotive ingenuity and a fascinating precursor to some of history’s most iconic vehicles. Introduced at the Berlin show in February 1934, this model broke ground with its rear-engine configuration, a daring move for Mercedes-Benz at the time, and one that subtly paved the way for the future “people’s car,” the Volkswagen Beetle.
At the heart of the Mercedes Benz W23 was a 1,308 cc air-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine, positioned longitudinally at the rear. This innovative placement allowed the vehicle to achieve a respectable top speed of 92 km/h, a notable feat for its era. The W23 was offered in various body styles, catering to different preferences, including sedan, open-top sedan, and cabriolet versions, showcasing its versatility and appeal to a broader market.
The design philosophy behind the Mercedes Benz 130 was heavily influenced by the renowned Ferdinand Porsche, who headed design and engineering during this pivotal period. Even as far back as 1927, Daimler-Benz had been exploring the possibilities of rear-engine cars with swing-axle technology, utilizing a 1.3-liter four-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally-opposed engine. These early experiments laid crucial groundwork for the eventual release of the W23.
The 130H, with the ‘H’ denoting ‘Heckmotor’ (rear engine), emerged somewhat cautiously, sharing showroom space with the more conventional front-engine 170 model. It’s undeniable that the Mercedes Benz W23 served as a significant source of inspiration for Dr. Porsche’s Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle, which debuted just a few years later. While Porsche’s departure from Daimler-Benz was reportedly less than amicable, it was his successor, Hans Nibel, who took over in early 1929 and played a crucial role in finalizing the engineering of this distinctive vehicle. Although an upgraded 1.7-liter version was introduced in 1936 alongside the more traditional 170, the “Mercedes-Benz Beetle,” as it was sometimes nicknamed, never achieved widespread popularity in the same vein as its Volkswagen counterpart.
Interestingly, a particular right-hand drive Mercedes Benz W23 example boasts a unique history, having been part of the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Museum collection since November 1993. Prior to its museum acquisition, this model resided in Australia. While it was initially purchased in restored condition, 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 renowned for its expertise, having also restored engines for the Mercedes-Benz Museum, including that of a 540 K. This specific W23 is presented in a sophisticated two-tone light and dark brown paint scheme, accentuating the streamlined curves of its body and creating an elegant contrast with the light brown leather interior.
This Mercedes Benz W23 has been thoroughly inspected by the German TÜV, receiving full certification for roadworthiness. Its accompanying documentation, including the registration certificate, copies of all restoration invoices, the TÜV report, and the 1993 sales contract, are available for review. This historically significant Mercedes Benz W23 embodies German automotive innovation, showcasing the combined engineering brilliance of both Dr. Porsche and Hans Nibel, making it a truly remarkable piece of automotive history.
