1936 MERCEDES 130H

Like many other far-sighted European manufacturers, Daimler Automobile Manufacturing of Germany focused on the concept of a “people’s car” or “Volkswagen” during the years after World War I. After the 1926 Daimler-Benz merger, these ideas, influenced by Ferdinand Porsche and others, were formalized. Designer Hans Nibel’s 130H was presented at the Berlin Auto Show in 1934 with a rear-mounted, water-cooled 1.3-liter engine.

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The 130H was a pioneering design aimed at providing an affordable and practical vehicle for the masses. The rear-engine layout was intended to maximize interior space and improve aerodynamics. However, the small engine created an “oversteer” condition, affecting the car's handling and stability. Despite its innovative approach, the 130H was not a commercial success, with only 4,298 units produced between 1934 and 1936.

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Although it did not achieve significant sales, the concepts and ideas explored in the 130H were crucial in the evolution of automotive design. These ideas evolved into other cars, most notably the Volkswagen Beetle, of which thirty prototypes were built in 1937. The 130H's rear-engine configuration and compact design were foundational elements that were further refined and popularized in the Beetle.

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The 1936 Mercedes-Benz 130H stands as an important step in the development of rear-engine, compact cars, contributing to the broader movement towards affordable and practical transportation. Its design and engineering principles played a crucial role in shaping the future of automotive development, influencing iconic vehicles that followed.