MERCEDES-BENZ The 1930s eight-cylinder cars, part 1: From the 460, 500, 380 to the 770 and G 4

The early Mercedes eight-cylinder cars of the 1930s – from the 460 Nürburg to the majestic 770 and G 4. The Mercedes 460 Nürburg was the first production eight-cylinder car built by Mercedes-Benz. It was followed by the 500 and 500 N, and later by the more modern 380, which for the first time could also be ordered with a supercharger. Parallel to these models, Mercedes created the mighty 770 – a vehicle that surpassed anything Europe had to offer at the time in terms of engineering, quality, and comfort. Also part of this remarkable lineage was the off-road G 4, originally developed for military and governmental use. This 250-page book, released as a revised edition in October 2025, tells the story of these cars, accompanied by carefully restored photographs, many newly added for this edition. It traces their technical evolution, highlights the work of the coachbuilders, and shows how functional engineering became a symbol of automotive prestige and authority. Topics include: • The 460 Nürburg W08 – variants and body styles • Coachbuilders from Auer to Weinberger • The 500 Nürburg, 500 and 500 N W08 – design and technology • Coachbuilders from Baur to Voll & Ruhrbeck • The 380 S Mannheim W10, 380 S W18, and 380 W22 • Coachbuilders from Authenrieth to Langenthal • The 770 W07 – engineering, history, and variations • Coachbuilders from Auer to Zupka & Son • The 770 W150 – evolution and special versions • The unique Sodomka-bodied car • The G 4 off-road vehicle W31 – technology and history An invaluable resource for collectors and enthusiasts With over 280 photos, many of them old black and white photos that were colorized and restored with the help of AI, this guide offers more than just history. It provides a visual journey through intricate design details and unique body variants, including technical insights into the chassis and suspension systems. AI was only used to gently revive historical scenes without falsifying them. Whether you are a historian, a collector, or an admirer of pre-war engineering, this guide offers a depth of information and visual quality that brings these legendary cars closer than ever before.