The Mercedes-Benz W153 is a midsize passenger car produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz from 1938 to 1943. It succeeded the W143 and was part of the company's pre‑World War II “Typ 170” series, sharing a chassis and some components with the larger W142 “Typ 170” models while offering a distinct body design and engine configuration.
Development and Design
The W153 was unveiled at the 1938 Berlin Motor Show as a modernized version of the earlier W143, featuring a more streamlined and aerodynamic body. The vehicle employed a steel monocoque (unibody) construction, which was relatively advanced for its time, improving structural rigidity and reducing weight compared with body‑on‑frame designs.
The exterior styling incorporated integrated fenders, a gently sloping front grille, and a pronounced rearward‑leaning rear deck, reflecting the contemporary trend toward aerodynamic form. Interior appointments included a wooden dashboard, upholstered seats, and optional amenities such as a radio and heater, depending on the trim level.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2 L (2195 cc) inline‑six, side‑valve (L‑6) engine, designated M22 |
| Power Output | Approximately 55 hp (41 kW) at 3,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 4‑speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on top three gears |
| Layout | Front‑engine, rear‑wheel drive (FR) |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 mm (107 in) |
| Length | 4,630 mm (182 in) |
| Width | 1,700 mm (67 in) |
| Height | 1,560 mm (61 in) |
| Weight | Approximately 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) depending on body style |
| Suspension | Front: independent wishbones with coil springs; Rear: leaf‑sprung live axle |
| Brakes | Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels |
| Top Speed | Around 100 km/h (62 mph) |
The M22 engine was a development of earlier 2.0 L units, featuring a slightly larger bore and stroke to increase displacement and torque. Its modest power output reflected the period’s emphasis on durability and economy rather than high performance.
Body Styles and Variants
The W153 was offered in several body configurations, all built by coachbuilders contracted to Mercedes-Benz:
- Sedan (Limousine) – Four‑door, six‑seater with a formal rear compartment.
- Sport Saloon (Sport-Limousine) – Higher‑performance version with sportier tuning and optional larger carburetor.
- Cabriolet – Two‑door open‑top version, produced in limited numbers.
- Roadster – Two‑seat, open‑top model with a lightweight body, aimed at sport‑oriented customers.
Special versions included a police and a military “field” variant, adapted for use by Reich authorities and the Wehrmacht during the early years of World War II.
Production and Historical Context
Production began in early 1938 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Stuttgart. Approximately 9,500 units were manufactured before production halted in 1943 due to wartime material restrictions and the conversion of the plant to military manufacturing. The W153’s production overlapped with the early years of World War II, and surviving examples are relatively rare.
The model is historically notable for representing the culmination of Mercedes-Benz’s pre‑war engineering philosophy, balancing heritage mechanical designs with incremental advances in chassis construction and aerodynamics.
Legacy
After the war, Mercedes-Benz introduced new post‑war models such as the W120 “Ponton” series, which shifted to more modern unitary construction and overhead‑valve engines. The W153, however, remains a collector’s item, appreciated for its classic pre‑war styling, engineering reliability, and rarity. Restored examples frequently appear at historic automotive shows and are highlighted in literature covering Mercedes-Benz’s interwar and wartime production.
References
- Mercedes-Benz Classic. “Mercedes-Benz 170 (W153) – Technical Data.” Mercedes-Benz AG archival resources.
- Georgano, G. N. The Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars, 1885–1968. New York: E. P. Dutton, 1971.
- The Daimler AG Historical Archive, Production Records 1938‑1943.