Description
The Mercedes-Benz 24/100/140 PS Type 630 K Roadster was one of the most prestigious and high-performance German sporting cars of the mid-1920s. As an evolution of the earlier 24/100/140 PS series, the 630 K introduced a shorter, more dynamic chassis and a more powerful supercharged engine, creating a machine that anticipated the world-beating Mercedes S-, SS- and SSK-models that would soon follow. In Roadster form, the 630 K blended imposing pre-war luxury with purposeful sporting intent, delivering one of the most exciting open-top driving experiences of its era.
At the heart of the 630 K Roadster was a large 6.3-litre inline-six engine equipped with Mercedes’ pioneering mechanical Kompressor system. The model’s name reflected its output: 24 tax horsepower, 100 horsepower naturally aspirated and up to approximately 140 horsepower when the supercharger was engaged. The K designation signified Kurz, meaning short, referring to the shorter wheelbase that distinguished this model from the standard 630. The Kompressor, a Roots-type supercharger driven through a mechanical clutch, engaged when the throttle was fully depressed, delivering a sudden, forceful increase in power. In period, the effect was dramatic—instant torque, sharper acceleration and a deepened engine note that defined the excitement of Mercedes’ early supercharged cars.
The chassis was a shortened variant of Mercedes’ robust ladder-frame construction, designed to make the 630 K nimbler and more responsive. The reduction in wheelbase improved cornering behaviour and gave the Roadster a more agile character than the heavier touring versions. Suspension used semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear, offering a firm but well-controlled ride suited to spirited driving on mixed-surface roads. Four-wheel mechanical drum brakes provided strong stopping performance, a major engineering advantage at a time when many competitors still braked only the rear axle.
The Roadster body brought a distinctly athletic personality to the 630 K platform. It featured a low, sweeping open two-seat layout with a long bonnet, tall and upright radiator and gracefully flared wings. The shortened proportions emphasised speed and sporting performance, while the minimal weather protection—typically a folding canvas top and removable side curtains—reflected its nature as a driver-focused machine rather than a luxury tourer. A single rear-mounted spare wheel, exposed side steps and clean body lines contributed to the car’s unmistakable visual presence.
Inside, the 630 K Roadster was functional yet refined. Leather-trimmed seats, a simple dashboard and a full set of high-quality Mercedes instruments created a cockpit that was both elegant and purposeful. The large steering wheel, long floor-mounted gear lever and mechanical control layout gave the driver direct, tactile engagement with the vehicle’s systems. Drivers appreciated the Roadster’s commanding seating position and clear view over the expansive bonnet.
On the road, the 630 K Roadster delivered thrilling performance for its time. In normal, un-supercharged running it behaved as a smooth and torque-rich grand tourer. But when the Kompressor was engaged, the character changed entirely: acceleration surged, the engine tone sharpened and the car gained a level of urgency unmatched by most road cars of the mid-1920s. The shorter chassis made the Roadster more agile through bends, and despite its size, it handled with surprising precision. Its combination of high power, strong brakes and robust construction made it particularly suited to long-distance fast touring across Europe, where it quickly earned a reputation as a formidable high-performance machine.
The Type 630 K also served as an essential stepping stone in Mercedes’ performance evolution. The engineering principles refined here—supercharging, strong and compact chassis design, and the pairing of powerful engines with sporting bodies—directly influenced the development of the S-Type series introduced in 1927. These later cars would go on to dominate hillclimbs, endurance races and international competitions, but their lineage is clearly rooted in the 630 K Roadster.
Today, the Mercedes-Benz 24/100/140 PS Type 630 K Roadster is highly coveted among collectors for its rarity, mechanical sophistication and historical importance. It represents a transitional masterpiece, linking early Mercedes luxury engineering with the aggressive supercharged sports cars that would soon define the brand’s legend. Its combination of elegance, power and sporting purity makes it one of the most charismatic pre-war open-top Mercedes models ever built.