This 1940 Mercedes Benz 770K W150 is one of 88 Model 770 K’s built by Mercedes Benz. It was originally commissioned to General Nikolaus von Falkenhorst and delivered to him in Oslo, Norway in November 1940. Falkenhorst orchestrated and commanded the Nazi Invasion of Norway and Denmark in April of 1940. He was then installed as the de-facto leader of occupied Norway and this was his official vehicle.
In May of 1945, during the liberation, the car was confiscated by the Allied mission, under the command of U.K. General Thorne. When the Norwegian Royal Family made their official return, in June of that year, the Allies presented the car to them. It was made an official parade vehicle and remained in the Royal Garage until 1963. It was the acquired by a member of the Norwegian Royal Guard who lovingly maintained the car until it was sold to a U.S. collector in the late 1970’s. The current owner acquired the car in May, 2000.
Overview
- Production Year: 1940 (produced from 1938 to 1943)
- Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
- Class: Luxury car
- Body Style: Various body styles including sedan, limousine, and cabriolet
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The 770K W150 was powered by a supercharged 7.7-liter (7655 cc) inline-eight engine.
- This engine produced approximately 230 horsepower with the supercharger engaged.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
- Chassis: The W150 featured a robust, fully independent suspension system, which was advanced for its time.
- Suspension:
- Front: Independent, coil springs
- Rear: De Dion axle with coil springs
- Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels
Performance
- Top Speed: The Mercedes-Benz 770K could achieve a top speed of around 100 mph (161 km/h), impressive for such a large and heavy vehicle.
- Acceleration: The supercharged engine provided strong acceleration, allowing the car to move with authority despite its substantial weight.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The W150 series featured a variety of custom body styles, many of which were built to the specific desires of their owners. The design was characterized by its imposing size, luxurious appointments, and elegant, yet formidable appearance.
- Notable design elements included a long hood, sweeping fenders, and an opulent grille with the iconic Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star.
- Interior: The interior was exceptionally luxurious, featuring the finest materials such as leather, wood, and chrome. The spacious cabin provided ample room and comfort, befitting its status as a top-tier luxury vehicle.
Notable Achievements
- Historical Significance: The 770K W150 is often associated with high-ranking officials and dignitaries of its era, most notably during World War II. It was a vehicle of choice for heads of state and prominent leaders, contributing to its historical significance.
- Engineering Excellence: Mercedes-Benz demonstrated its engineering prowess with the 770K, incorporating advanced technology and exceptional craftsmanship to create a vehicle that was both powerful and luxurious.
You may purchase a print of the 1940 Mercedes Benz 770K W150 in our dElegance 2013 online gallery.