The Mercedes-Benz 770, often dubbed the ‘Grand Mercedes’ (Großer Mercedes), was unveiled to the world at the Paris Motor Show in October 1930, immediately setting a new standard for luxury and exclusivity in the automotive world. This prestigious vehicle was meticulously engineered to satisfy the most discerning clientele, featuring a formidable 7.7-liter inline eight-cylinder engine. Prospective owners had the choice between a naturally aspirated variant producing 150 horsepower and a supercharged version that boosted output to an impressive 200 horsepower (or 150 hp without supercharger). Interestingly, only a small fraction of buyers, specifically thirteen, opted for the non-supercharged engine, highlighting the desire for ultimate performance and prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz 770.
Production of the Mercedes-Benz 770 was a limited and bespoke affair, taking place at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Untertürkheim, Germany. The initial series, known as the W07 platform, spanned from 1930 to 1938, resulting in a total of 117 meticulously crafted automobiles. The subsequent W150 model, produced during the wartime period until 1943, added a further 88 units to the lineage of this exceptional car. This exclusivity and hand-built nature contributed significantly to the Mercedes-Benz 770’s enduring appeal and value as a collector’s item.
Mercedes-Benz 770 Großer (W150)
The Mercedes-Benz 770 was equipped with a Twin Spark M150 Inline-8 engine, showcasing advanced engineering for its time. This engine featured a displacement of 7655 cc, a bore of 95 mm, and a stroke of 135 mm, with a compression ratio of 6.1:1. Fuel was delivered via a Mercedes-Benz Triple-Jet Double Carburetor. The supercharged variant delivered a robust 230 bhp at 3200 rpm, transferring power to the wheels through a steel chassis with an oval tube frame. The vehicle rode on 8.25-17 tires both at the front and rear and employed hydraulic drum brakes with a Bosch-Dewandre Vacuum Booster for stopping power. The suspension system consisted of double wishbones with coil springs at the front and a De Dion axle with double coil springs at the rear, ensuring a comfortable yet controlled ride. The Mercedes-Benz 770 boasted substantial dimensions, with a wheelbase of 3880 mm, a length of 6000 mm, and a width of 2070 mm. These specifications contributed to a top speed of approximately 100 mph (160.9 kph).
The Mercedes-Benz 770’s historical significance and rarity are further underscored by its auction history. A 1931 Mercedes-Benz 770 Cabriolet D (W 07) with coachwork by Sindelfingen, one of only 18 produced, was sold for an impressive €2,311,500. This particular model was originally delivered to Erik Charell, a notable German actor and director. Another significant example, a 1943 Mercedes-Benz 770 K W150 Pullman Limousine, one of only three known to still exist and the last one built, was offered at auction with an estimated price of $1,430,000, though it did not sell. These auction results highlight the enduring desirability and collector value of the Mercedes-Benz 770, solidifying its place as an automotive icon. The ‘Grand Mercedes’ remains a symbol of unparalleled luxury, engineering excellence, and historical importance within the Mercedes-Benz lineage.
