French registration papers

- Owned by the same family since 1977
- Four-seater convertible
- Attractive price estimate

After the Depression of the 1930s, all the car makers were severely tested. Only the strongest companies could deal with these challenges. At Mercedes, cars for the mass market had never been a priority, but in these difficult circumstances the manufacturer would nonetheless offer some more affordable models in order to broaden its customer base. It was in this context that the Mercedes 170 made its appearance; considered the German equivalent to the Traction Avant, it went on sale in 1936.

Available as a front-engined V model or rear-engined H version (the latter quickly dropped), it came across as a modern car with its box-section chassis and independent suspension. Thanks to its wooden structure, it was produced in two- and four-door saloon variants, as well as convertibles with two seats (the A version) or four (the B version). It was fitted with a 1.7-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 38 bhp, equipped with an aluminium head and side valves. Production of the 170 V enabled Mercedes to see out the decade without too much difficulty. 75,000 cars were built from 1936–1942. Production started up again in 1946 and came to an end in 1953, this pre-war design allowing Mercedes to make a fresh start in the car market before the Ponton series was introduced.

The model which we are offering for sale is a Mercedes 170 V Type B. We are unsure how this car finished up in France, but there are two possible scenarios: either the car was abandoned in France by the Wehrmacht at the end of the Second World War, or it was sent to France after the war as compensation for the vehicles requisitioned by the German authorities. This 170 V was bought by the current owner’s father in 1976. It was then stored in a barn at Chirens in the Isère ‘département’. He undertook a restoration of the car, including new two-tone paintwork in deep red and black, as well as completely refurbishing the upholstery in brown leatherette and the hood. After it had been restored, the car was awarded second prize in the concours d’élégance held at Val d’Isère in 1978 after climbing the Col de l’Iseran. Its owner, a member of the ‘Club des 4A’, took part with the car in many events until the early 1990s. After being laid up for some years, it was recommissioned in 2010. The engine oil was recently changed, the fuel tank cleaned and the battery and ignition barrel replaced. Our road test confirmed that the car is in good mechanical order. This charming cabriolet is offered today at a very attractive estimated price and needs only a new owner to rejuvenate it!