Description
The Maybach SW 42 Sport Cabriolet by Spohn was one of the most exclusive, elegant and dynamic expressions of Maybach’s final pre-war chassis. Built shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, it represented the culmination of everything Maybach and its preferred coachbuilder Spohn had achieved during their long collaboration. The SW 42 Sport Cabriolet combined the marque’s most advanced engineering with a beautifully proportioned, sporty open body designed for affluent clients who wanted the prestige of a Maybach in a more personal, driver-focused form.
The SW 42 chassis, introduced in 1939, was the most powerful and refined of the SW-series. Its enlarged 4.2-litre straight-six engine, equipped with a clutch-engaged Roots-type supercharger, produced roughly 160–170 horsepower — an impressive figure for a luxury car of its size and era. Smooth, flexible and exceptionally quiet, the engine delivered strong acceleration and relaxed cruising even when paired with heavy coachwork. Its refinement was a direct reflection of Maybach’s background in precision aircraft engines, giving the SW 42 an effortlessly sophisticated mechanical character.
The chassis retained Maybach’s advanced independent suspension setup, with the Schwingachse swing-axle system at the rear and fully independent suspension at the front. This made the SW 42 remarkably comfortable and stable on the often-poor roads of the late 1930s. The long wheelbase and rigid box-section frame provided an ideal platform for coachbuilt bodies, allowing both formal limousines and sporty cabriolets to maintain composure at speed. The car’s semi-automatic preselector gearbox and torque converter gave it seamless, clutch-free shifting, further enhancing its refined and unhurried driving experience.
The Sport Cabriolet body created by Spohn was one of the most desirable configurations. While Spohn was well known for grand Pullmans and formal limousines, its sport cabriolet designs displayed a more dynamic elegance, with flowing lines and lighter proportions. The SW 42 Sport Cabriolet typically featured long, sweeping fenders, a graceful beltline, and a slightly shorter and more athletic profile than the larger four-seat luxury cabriolets. The folding soft-top was engineered to disappear cleanly into a sculpted rear deck, preserving the body’s sleek silhouette when open. Spohn’s metalwork was entirely hand-formed, with each panel shaped by skilled craftsmen to achieve perfectly balanced curves and crisp detailing.
The interior of the Sport Cabriolet reflected Maybach’s reputation for absolute luxury but with a more intimate, sporting atmosphere than the formal limousine versions. The cabin was upholstered in the finest leather, with deep, comfortable seating designed for long-distance touring. Polished hardwood veneers, finely machined metal fittings and aviation-style instrumentation created an ambience of refined craftsmanship. Many examples featured personalised touches such as fold-out tables, custom cabinetry, vanity cases, smoking sets, or special interior lighting — all individually commissioned by the original owner.
On the road, the SW 42 Sport Cabriolet delivered an exceptional combination of power, smoothness and poise. The supercharged engine provided effortless acceleration, while the independent suspension absorbed imperfections with a calm, gliding motion. Steering was steady and precise, and braking — handled by large hydraulic drums — was strong for a high-performance luxury car of this size. The car excelled at high-speed grand touring, offering a relaxed but commanding driving experience with the roof raised or lowered. Compared with the heavier Pullman-bodied SW 42s, the Sport Cabriolet felt more agile and responsive, making it particularly appealing to owner-drivers.
Production numbers of the SW 42 Sport Cabriolet by Spohn were extremely low. Each example was built only to individual order, requiring extensive hand labor and commanding a price accessible only to the elite. With the outbreak of war shortly after the SW 42’s introduction, the number of completed cars was further reduced, making surviving examples today exceptionally rare.
The Maybach SW 42 Sport Cabriolet Spohn stands as one of the finest pre-war German convertibles ever made. It represents the pinnacle of Maybach’s engineering sophistication, the artistic mastery of Spohn’s coachwork, and the glamorous spirit of late-1930s motoring. Elegant, powerful and exquisitely crafted, it remains one of the most desirable body styles ever mounted on a Maybach chassis and a true masterpiece of European automotive history.