Obscure Vintage Mercedes Models You Probably Never Heard Of
When it comes to vintage Mercedes models, most enthusiasts can rattle off names like the 300SL Gullwing, 190SL, or the W113 “Pagoda” without missing a beat. But hidden beneath the glitz and fame of these iconic machines lies a treasure trove of lesser-known vehicles—obscure models that shaped the legacy of Mercedes-Benz in quiet but meaningful ways.
In this post, we’re pulling back the curtain on those rare, forgotten gems. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or simply someone who appreciates automotive history, these models might just surprise you.
🚘 1. Mercedes-Benz W187 (220) – The Forgotten Luxury Pioneer
Before the legendary 300 series came into play, the W187 was Mercedes-Benz’s top offering in the early 1950s. Introduced in 1951, it was designed for post-war luxury and built with cutting-edge engineering for the time.
Key Features:
Inline-6 engine with 80 horsepower
Available in saloon, cabriolet A, and cabriolet B body styles
Wood-and-leather interior appointments
Despite its importance, the W187 is often overlooked in discussions of vintage Mercedes models, making it a true hidden gem for collectors seeking elegance with understated appeal.
🧳 2. Mercedes-Benz 300b Adenauer – Overshadowed by the Gullwing
The 300b, also known as the “Adenauer” (named after German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer), was a stately sedan produced from 1954 to 1955. While the 300SL was grabbing headlines with its gullwing doors, the 300b was chauffeuring diplomats in unmatched style.
Why It’s Obscure:
It was a luxury sedan in an era obsessed with sports cars
Less than 2,000 were built in this specific variant
Interesting Fact: It came with a Becker radio, power windows, and even optional air conditioning—features that were jaw-droppingly advanced at the time.
🚗 3. Mercedes-Benz W142 (320) – A Pre-War Marvel
Built between 1937 and 1942, the W142 was one of the last luxury vehicles Mercedes produced before World War II. It combined stately design with innovative engineering and is often forgotten due to its unfortunate timing.
What Made It Special:
3.2L inline-8 engine
Four-speed overdrive transmission
Used by both civilians and military officers
This pre-war luxury tourer stands as one of the most elegant yet overlooked vintage Mercedes models ever built.
🛻 4. Mercedes-Benz L319 – The Classic Van You Didn’t Know Existed
Not all vintage Mercedes models were sedans and coupes. The L319, introduced in 1955, was Mercedes’ first post-war van, used across Europe for commercial deliveries.
Highlights:
Diesel and gasoline variants
Cargo, panel van, and even minibus configurations
Styled like a cartoon character but tough as nails
Collectors of rare utility vehicles are beginning to take notice of the L319 for its quirky design and historical significance.
🕶️ 5. Mercedes-Benz W21 (200) – The Compact Executive Classic
Produced from 1933 to 1936, the W21 was a compact executive car that served as a bridge between basic transport and full-fledged luxury.
Details:
1.9L inline-6 engine
Offered in both sedan and cabriolet forms
Used as taxis across Germany in the 1930s
Although it’s rarely mentioned today, the W21 was once a popular option for business professionals and remains a rare sight even at classic car shows.
🦉 6. Mercedes-Benz 170H – The Rear-Engine Experiment
The 170H was Mercedes-Benz’s answer to the “people’s car” movement of the 1930s. Released in 1936, this compact vehicle came with a rear-mounted engine, not unlike the Volkswagen Beetle.
Unique Traits:
Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout
Aimed at affordability and practicality
Limited production: only around 1,500 units made
This oddball experiment was a failure commercially but is now celebrated among hardcore fans of vintage Mercedes models for its daring design.
🛠️ 7. Mercedes-Benz W105 (219) – The Mix-and-Match Model
Produced from 1956 to 1959, the W105 was a Frankenstein hybrid that combined the longer chassis of the W180 (220S) with the more modest body of the W120 (180D). The result? A budget luxury car with high-end bones.
Why It’s Worth Knowing:
Inline-6 engine in an otherwise entry-level body
Rare transitional model with unique trim details
Only a few thousand made
Perfect for collectors who enjoy models that defy categorization.
🔍 8. Mercedes-Benz 260 D – The First Diesel Passenger Car
One of the most historically significant yet underappreciated vintage Mercedes models is the 260 D. Introduced in 1936, it was the world’s first mass-produced diesel passenger car.
Key Characteristics:
2.6L diesel engine
Known for reliability and fuel economy
Originally used as taxis and long-distance cruisers
Today, only a handful remain, making it a prized artifact for automotive historians.
🐚 9. Mercedes-Benz W136 (170V) Utility Models – Civilian Workhorses
While the 170V sedan is better known, few realize that Mercedes also produced pickup truck, ambulance, and utility versions of this chassis throughout the 1940s and early 1950s.
Why They’re Special:
Wartime and postwar production gave them historical value
Boxy, utilitarian shapes contrast Mercedes’ typical elegance
Popular in post-war Europe, now incredibly rare
Collectors interested in function-driven design will find these models refreshingly different.
🏁 10. Mercedes-Benz W194 – The Racing Grandfather
This isn’t just obscure—it’s sacred. The W194 was the racing version of the future 300SL. Built in 1952, it laid the foundation for Mercedes’ return to motorsport after WWII.
Fast Facts:
Only 10 ever made
Lightweight spaceframe chassis
Won races like the Carrera Panamericana and Le Mans
While the 300SL Gullwing stole the spotlight, the W194 did the heavy lifting in re-establishing Mercedes-Benz’s performance legacy.
Conclusion: The Road Less Traveled
While the spotlight tends to shine on just a handful of icons, the history of vintage Mercedes models is filled with underappreciated, imaginative, and technically advanced vehicles that deserve recognition. From experimental rear-engine designs to luxury sedans that catered to post-war elites, these forgotten models tell a deeper story of Mercedes-Benz innovation and resilience.
Whether you’re hunting for your next restoration project or just love discovering rare automotive history, these obscure vintage Mercedes models are a window into a fascinating past—one where elegance, engineering, and bold ideas came together in unexpected ways.
