Mercedes-Benz 170 Classic Cars for Sale

The Mercedes-Benz 170 was a luxury four door sedan, also offered as a cabriolet, built by Mercedes Benz between 1949 and 1955.

The History of the Mercedes-Benz 170

The Mercedes-Benz 170 S was introduced in May of 1949 and was based upon the Mercedes-Benz W136 170 V. The Mercedes-Benz 170 S the first Mercedes-Benz to bear the suffix of S, which stood for Sonder Modell, the German for special model which denoted a high level of quality and comfort. The engine was initially a 1.8 liter version of the 1.7 liter engine used in the Mercedes-Benz W136. This was an in-line four cylinder engine of 52bhp maximum power. Transmission was through a four speed all-synchromesh gearbox and a top speed of 76 mph was claimed. The Mercedes-Benz 170 S was offered as both a four door sedan and two and four seat cabriolets.

Later versions of the Mercedes-Benz 170

The Mercedes-Benz 170 S was replaced in 1952 by the Mercedes-Benz 170 Sb. This car was given its own designation of Mercedes-Benz W 191 whereas the Mercedes-Benz 170 S had been designated as a version of the W136. The Mercedes-Benz 170 Sb was only made available in sedan, or saloon, versions, the cabriolet options having been withdrawn in 1951 as Mercedes-Benz were by then producing another cabriolet. The Mercedes-Benz 170 Sb saw the replacement of the floor-mounted gear lever with one mounted on the steering column. Further improvements were an improved heater system and a starter button mounted on the dashboard. The crankshaft was driven by a chain as opposed to the previous gear cogs. The rear track was slightly widened. It was also in 1952 that a diesel-powered version of the Mercedes-Benz 170 Sb was offered; this was marketed as the Mercedes-Benz 170 DS. This diesel power unit offered 40 bhp and a top speed of 65 mph. The use of a diesel power unit was unusual but found favour with those who sought economy through the use of lower priced diesel fuel. A further version of the car was seen in 1953 as the Mercedes-Benz 170 S-V, a combination of the Mercedes-Benz 170 S body and 170 V engine of 45 bhp. This combination brought down the purchase price and the car remained popular with economy-conscious drivers and operators. The diesel-powered version, the Mercedes-Benz 170 S-D proved to be the most popular option towards the end of the car’s production.