1932 MERCEDES-BENZ W17 120H Prototype

Mercedes-Benz AG started its rear engined streamlined car project in 1931 with this Typ 120H. The 120H was more or less a prototype. Only 12 cars were made. It was developed by engineer Hans Nibel (Austria-Hungary, 1880-1934) and Max Wagner in cooperation with engineer Josef Ganz (Budapest, 1898-1967).

This 120H with the extra long tail was not approved.

The 120H was the necessary step towards the 130H which was presented in 1934 as a production car.

This new 130H was a big hit at the 1934 Berlin IAMA motor show. The 130H was later replaced by the 170H W28, a rear-engined version of the 170V W136 (with Vornmotor/front engine).

H stands for Heck, German for rear.

Note: the shape of the nose has a lot in common with the later KdF Käfer/VW Beetle.

 

1200 cc.

980 kg.

Production M-B all rear engined models: 1931-1939.

Production M-B Typ 120H W17 this version: 1932-1933.

 

Image source: Paul Schilperoord, Het ware verhaal van de Kever: hoe Hitler het ontwerp van een Joods genie confisqueerde, Veen Magazines, 2009.

Original photographer, place and date unknown.

 

Halfweg, Febr. 11, 2023.

 

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