1934-1936 Mercedes-Benz 130H (W23)

Daimler-Benz's first attempt to enter the economy car market was with the Mercedes-Benz 130H (W23), conceived by Mercedes-Benz's chief engineer Hans Nibel in 1931 it was the companies first rear engine civilian car. The car was available in two body styles, the Cabriolet and Saloon, and was powered by a rear mounted water cooled four cylinder boxer 130 H (Heckmotor, Rear Engine) with a transmission that had 3 forward speeds and a semi automatic overdrive that did not need the use of a clutch. Located between the rear the coil springs was the cooling fan.

Unfortunately by having the heavy engine mounted in the rear of the car it caused problems with weight distribution making the car extremely hard to handle. The car was put into production in 1934, though the 130H exceeded all of its competition in the market the production of the Mercedes-Benz 130H ended in 1936 due to poor sales and safety concerns.