Class B - Open Cars 2004

1930-1939: Open Cars "Flamboyances et extravagances"

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22. Rolls-Royce Phantom II, 1930
6 Zylinder, 7668 cm³

Body: Open Tourer, Barker
Entrant: Urs Huber (CH)

This Phantom II, was destined for the maharaja of Parlakimedi and delivered to him on the 12th November, 1930. It was the last model created under the personal supervision of Frederick Royce, who died in 1933, the same year the two Rs which adorn the radiator grill were coloured black. A key feature of this model presented in 1929, besides driving comfort, is its modern look obtained by lowering the chassis.

24. Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS, 1932
6 Zylinder in linea, 1752 cm³

Body: Spider Brianza
Entrant: Axel Marx (CH)

Of all the Vittorio Jano “6 Zylinders“, the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS, and its variations, is undoubtedly the most seductive. With the integration of the compressor, the engine reaches up to 85 CV, adding a further 17 CV to the concours version allowing it to touch almost 170 km/h. Brianza was founded in 1932 and opened in Zagato’s old Milanesi premises. Production of the 6C 1750 ceased in 1933.

26. Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, 1932
8 Zylinder in linea, 2336 cm³

Body: Spider Zagato
Entrant: Harlan Schwartz (USA)

This memorabile golden age model continues the sporting Alfa Romeo tradition of the 1930s. In 1931, Nuvolari was the first to win the Targa Florio (the Italian Grand Prix), then the Howe-Birkin team took victory in the Le Mans 24-Hour. The 8C 2300, has the same chassis lines and coachwork as the previous 6-Zylinder version; 188 examples were produced between 1931 and 1934.

28. Lancia Astura, 1933
6 Zylinder in linea, 4250 cm³

Body: Double-Phaeton, Castagna
Entrant: Guido Lamperi (I)

The Astura V8 embodies the height of Lancia’s success in the 1930s. The chassis charmed even the most celebrated Italian coachbuilders, so much so that all of them worked on building the coachwork to the latest trends. This double screened torpedo, which carries the Castagna name, was the 1933 winner of the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza.

30. Mercedes-Benz 540 K, 1936
8 Zylinder in linea, 5401 cm³

Body: Cabriolet, Sindelfingen
Entrant: Egon Zweimüller (A)

The Valkyrie of the road! This 540 K was launched at the 1936 Paris Motor Show. It meant Mercedes could challenge German competition in both power and size; 406 540 Ks were produced. With its independent suspensions, this Queen of the road has a feline appearance and a touch of extravagance.

32. SS Jaguar 100, 1938
6 Zylinder in linea, 3485 cm³

Body: Roadster, SS Cars Ltd.
Entrant: Christian Jenny (CH)

Towards the end of the 1930s, William Lyons, founder of the company, chose the animal best known for speed and aggression as a name for all models produced before the start of World War II, Jaguar. The stylish SS100 lost its original initials at the end of the war due to Nazi connotations. These were replaced simply by the name Jaguar.

34. Bentley 4 1/4 Litre, 1938
6 Zylinder, 4257 cm³

Body: Cabriolet, Worblaufen
Entrant: Barry G. Hon (USA)

When World War II broke out, 6 Zylinder 4 1/4 litre production was postponed. A few models did however manage to leave to the factory before the start of the conflict. This bodywork of this unique cabriolet was built by the Swiss master Worblaufen.

36. Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster, 1938
8 Zylinder in linea, 5401 cm³

Body: Roadster 2 seat, Sindelfingen
Entrant:Frans van Haren (NL)

The prestigious and costly 540 K was built for real racing enthusiasts. 406 models were produced between 1936 and 1939, 95 of these in 1938 alone. The majority were delivered in chassis form, allowing the German coachbuilding masters to provide them with sublime coachwork creations. The 540 K was top of the Mercedes range in the mid-1930s.

38. Maybach SW 38, 1938
6 Zylinder in linea, 4197 cm³

Body: 4-door convertible, Gläser
Entrant: Helmut Hofmann (D)

Mid-way through the 1930s, sales of Grand-Luxe vehicles were still very much on the increase, although the market was beginning to demand more moderate vehicles. Maybach strongly encouraged this change and introduced a new chassis with 6 Zylinder engine, still part of the SW38 series. The 4.2 litre HL42 was the last Maybach built.

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