Mercedes-Benz 460 classic cars for sale

History of the Mercedes-Benz 460 Nürburg (W 08)

Presented to the public at the 1928 Olympia Motor Exhibition in London, the Mercedes-Benz 460 Nürburg marked a deliberate stride for Mercedes-Benz into the luxury segment, featuring advanced engineering for its time. Named after the Nürburgring, where rigorous 20,000-kilometre endurance testing established its reliability, the 460 quickly earned a reputation for technological innovation and robust construction. The endurance run, completed in just under two weeks at an average speed of 64 km/h, set records for both duration and mileage in a production car test. The 460 Nürburg succeeded the previous large models and established a foundation for luxury grand tourers within the brand.

Model History of the Mercedes-Benz 460 Series

The 460 Nürburg (internal designation W 08) entered production in 1928 and remained in the line-up until 1933, with several technical and design improvements over its lifespan. It started with predominantly limousine and touring models but also offered rare cabriolets and custom coachbuilt bodies by renowned companies such as Schneider & Kort. In 1931, Mercedes introduced the larger Nürburg 500 as a successor with a 5-litre engine. The 460’s production concluded after 1,508 chassis had been built, marking the end of an era before the next generation of Mercedes-Benz luxury sedans emerged.

Highlights of the Mercedes-Benz 460 Nürburg

The Mercedes-Benz 460 Nürburg featured a 4.6-litre straight-eight engine developed by Ferdinand Porsche, a pressed steel deep-frame chassis, vacuum-assisted four-wheel brakes, and an innovative centralised chassis lubrication system. Buyers could choose between wooden or wire-spoke wheels with distinctive Rudge hubs. The car's proven reliability stemmed from exceptional factory testing, including a 13-day, 20,000-kilometre endurance run. Cabriolets, roadsters, and custom-bodied vehicles are particularly rare and desirable for collectors seeking diversity within the series.

Technical Data of the Mercedes-Benz 460 Nürburg

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Among the 460 Nürburg models, one-of-a-kind versions bodied by independent coachbuilders such as Schneider & Kort stand out. Roadsters and bespoke cabriolets belong to the absolute rarities within the model series, making them especially sought after by collectors due to their low production numbers and unique designs, compared to the more prevalent limousines and tourers.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Mercedes-Benz 460 Nürburg impressed with its non-supercharged, 4,622 cm³ straight-eight engine, delivering smooth power through a nine-bearing crankshaft with vibration damper. Its robust four-speed gearbox and sound chassis engineering, including semi-elliptical leaf springs and vacuum-assisted brakes, provided responsive handling for a vehicle of its size, while factory testing proved its long-distance endurance. The 6.50 x 20-inch tyres and multi-plate clutch added to its reliable on-road performance. • Limousines and six-seat tourers made up the majority of the 460 production, but rare open and roadster variants, as well as bespoke coachbuilt models, stand out for their combination of comfort, craftsmanship, and mechanical excellence.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz 460 Nürburg offered spacious accommodation, with a focus on luxury evident from the selection of upholstery materials and trim available to order. Standard features included central lubrication, powered tyre pump, and the option for either wood or wire-spoke wheels. Many bodies were crafted in-house, but a number were supplied by specialised coachbuilders, who offered their own take on luxury—sometimes featuring unique colour schemes, custom fittings, and artisanal woodwork. Rare accessory options like Rudge hubs or particular hood mechanisms gave each example individual character.

Other Features

Each Mercedes-Benz 460 offered small technical marvels for its time, such as the automatic chassis lubrication system and engine-driven tyre pump, both designed to improve drivability and reduce maintenance overhead during long journeys. These innovations, along with robust mechanical components, align with the model's origins in endurance testing and engineering development.

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz 460 Nürburg represents an era of meticulous engineering, thorough testing, and bespoke luxury from Mercedes-Benz during the late 1920s and early 1930s. With a total production of 1,508 chassis, its rarity and technological refinement distinguish it from its contemporaries. The series remains a highly concentrated and specific collector's interest, as reflected in Classic Trader statistics, where the 460 accounts for all Nürburg series listings for the brand. With its robust structure, advanced technical features, and options for custom coachbuilt bodies, the 460 Nürburg holds a notable place in the legacy of pre-war German luxury cars.