1938 | Mercedes-Benz 170 V Cabriolet B

The Mercedes-Benz 170, codenamed W136, was produced for 20 years, from 1935–1955. With more than 140,000 cars built, it was a commercial success, which should nonetheless be seen in the context of its time. The 170 was available with several different body styles: a saloon with two or four doors, cabriolet, roadster, van or flatbed truck. It was the upper-mid-range model for the Stuttgart manufacturer in the 1930s and proved highly popular, meeting a range of requirements from German customers. Appreciated in saloon and cabriolet form by the well-off, it was also widely used by taxi drivers, tradesmen and the police. Powered by a four-cylinder 1700cc engine developing 38bhp, it could reach a top speed of 105kph (65mph). The cabriolet version was available with two seats (‘Cabriolet A’) or four seats (‘Cabriolet B’). The luggage compartment was reached from inside the car by folding down the rear seat. The spare wheel was mounted on the tail panel. A version for military use, known as the ’Kübelwagen’, was developed and built from 1938–1942.

During the war, petrol was reserved for use by the army and a model called the 170 VK running on wood gas was sold. In 1942, production of the 170 was halted. Unlike its rivals such as BMW or Horch, whose factories were devastated by bombing, Mercedes-Benz was able to restart production of the 170 as early as 1946. To help the country’s reconstruction efforts, only goods vehicles and ambulances left the factory during the first year. In 1947, production of the saloon resumed. The cabriolet models were no longer offered, as thoughts were no longer of pleasure, but of the functional and practical. In similar vein, a diesel version was introduced in 1947. Reliable and economical, it was the first diesel-engined car produced after the war. The 170 was the only Mercedes available until 1953, when the W120, nicknamed the ‘Ponton’, was presented. This embodied a new, modern style and marked the desire to leave the past behind. The 170 was built until 1955, once again in saloon and cabriolet form, with mechanical improvements and changes to its interior making it more luxurious, especially in the case of the 170 S version. The 170 is of historical interest. It came through the war and represented both the cheerful motorcar of the 1930s and the serious form of transport which enabled German industry to rise up and rebuild itself. As well as the pleasure of owning and driving this model, its new owner will also acquire a piece of history.  

The model offered for sale

This model was delivered new on 28 February 1938. It is a 170 B Cabriolet and is believed to have had only two owners. The second owner had it restored to the highest standards by a specialist in 2015. The upholstery was magnificently restored to its original condition. The two-tone green paintwork gives this cabriolet a great deal of charm and authenticity. The car’s mechanical condition is faultless. It is in excellent overall condition. The car is extremely pleasant to drive and it is hard to imagine that it is 80 years old. This is a museum piece which can be used without any problems. It will be prepared before delivery and guaranteed for 12 months.