1940 Mercedes Benz 320 W-142 Aerodynamic Wendler Convertible

Passing through the numerous halls of the largest in Europe exhibition of classic cars Technoclassics 2011 in Essen, I was particularly surprised by the unusual forms of the representative of Mercedes-Benz Benz 320 body maker Erhard Vendler (Reitlingen) -one of the most famous in the world manufacturers of special sports   Machines 30-50 years of the twentieth century.

A streamlined, amazing in beauty, slightly reminiscent of the Italian style of design, clearly distinguishes this car from its standard brethren.

As it turned out, the owner of this unique car is our compatriot residing in one of the EU countries, Alexander Vereshchagin. From the conversation with him it became clear that the Wendler cabriolet was purchased in Germany in 2003 in a dilapidated state. Although the original equipment   Was more than 90 percent and this was a very good indicator. In addition, there was all the evidence base for the origin of the car-the original registration documents of 1940 and 1951, as well as the Wendler catalog With the description and the first photos of this particular machine. According to the owner, a special aura came from her, which also led to a decision about an expensive purchase. And the truth is, in this car you can fall in love at first sight. This is indicated by the constant gathering of visitors around the car and their reaction to a unique exhibit.   

Particular attention is drawn to its history. In the post-war period, Germany is rapidly reviving, destroyed by war, the economy   And farming. People are tired of military monotony and privations, he wants something special, elegant and comfortable. Known in Germany at the time, entrepreneur and mezinate -Robert Koenig, in 1949 he ordered a special car in the body of Wendler at the base of Mercedes Benz 320 which was intended as a gift to the famous dancer and ballerina Lily Tsainner, who lived in Constance. Given the wishes of the lady and the special landscape of the area, a lightweight, reliable and comfortable, unusual beauty car was needed. It was decided to create Aerodynamic, light, semi-sport aluminum body of silver color. Seats and interior of green leather and beige carpets. Specially for the ballerina, a mirror with temperatures and altitude above sea level was intended. So in 1950 this car was built. Semya Tsaysner owned it Until the end of the twentieth century.

Restoration of the car was held in 2003-2004 for several stages. The motor, gearbox,   Transmission was sent for repair in Italy. Bodywork was carried out in the Baltic States, but for welding aluminum , a specialist from Great Britain was hired who perfectly and quickly coped with the work. The wooden parts of the body were partially replaced by new restorers of the ethnographic museum. Part of the work on the assembly of the chassis body painting and general assembly was carried out in the Czech Republic. Repair of the cabin was held in Germany. The current owner, he organized the restoration process, supervised the progress of work, which contributed to the economy   By the way, the experience of the organization of restoration work for Alexander more than 15 years and about a dozen restored cars and fifty rare

Motorcycles. By the way the samples are really exclusive, such as pre-war Mercedes 540K,   380K, 320, 290, 230, Horch 853 and 780 , 830

Thus, the Mercedes Benz 320 aerodynamic , the sport of the Wendler cabriolet, received its third life and still pleases its owners, fans of motorism, visitors to retro exhibitions and rallys.Thanks, the owner and car's tenders took part in such serious events as the Grand Prix of Classico in Monaco. Milia Milia in Italy. The competition de Elegance in Schwetzingen-Germany, Retro Classic in Salzburg-Austria, Techno Classics in Essen-Germany, Riga-Retro in Latvia. According to Alexander Vereshchagin, participation in such shows is very, very costly, however it is a great academy of life. Meetings and live communication with great contemporaries, simple friendly communication with politicians and stars of show business, with the world elite and hobby clubs. It is a wonderful pastime with representatives of the world automotive industry and its legends.

Possessing such rarities is a worthy investment of capitals. The analysis of the automotive market guarantees 10-15% per annum, the idea is especially tempting in anticipation of a new economic recession and political instability.

Let's hope that in the near future this legendary car will please the Russian public by its appearance on the platforms of Russia. We wish him long years and a wide road.