On This Day

Saturday 15th February 1936

84 years ago

The Mercedes-Benz 260D - the world’s first production diesel-powered passenger car - debuted at the Berlin Auto Show. Based on the 200 model, the 260D used a 2.6-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine mated to a Bosch mechanical injection pump. The ensemble allowed the car to produce 45hp of power at 3,200 rpm. Almost 2,000 units were built through 1940. The car initially had a 3-speed gearbox; and was upgraded with electric coil ignitors in 1938. One of the diesel powerplant's main benefits – then as now – was reduced fuel consumption. The 260D burned 9 l/100 km (26 mpg U.S.) compared to 13 l/ 100 km (18 mpg U.S.) in the gasoline counterpart. Another bonus: at the time, diesel was half the price of gasoline, so the motorists saved a lot of cash at the pump. The SS and Gestapo made use of these vehicles for more sinister purposes - the hunting of Jews. If one saw the 260D coming, trouble was to be expected. The Mercedes 260D ultimately became associated as an infamous “Death Mobile” instead of known as the first diesel passenger car.

Mercedes 260D diesel taxi