1939 Mercedes-Benz 170 V Sport Roadster

1939 Mercedes-Benz 170 V Sport Roadster

'The specification of the Type 170V Mercedes is extremely interesting and its air of individuality is reflected in the performance of the car, in a refreshing contrast to the stereotypical merits of the average vehicle.' - The Motor, 22nd November 1938.

Introduced in 1931, the 170 made up the bulk of Mercedes-Benz production in the difficult Depression years of the mid-1930s. Although outwardly of conservative appearance, the Hans Nibel-designed 170 featured all-independent suspension that set new standards of ride comfort and safety; it was also competitively priced for a six-cylinder car and suited the prevailing market conditions, being compact and economical yet engineered and constructed to Mercedes-Benz's traditionally high standards. The 1,692cc, sidevalve engine drove via a three-speed manual gearbox, which was equipped with an overdrive economy gear.

So successful was Nibel's original concept that the 170 changed little until it was replaced in 1936 by the four-cylinder 170V. A landmark model for the Stuttgart-based manufacturer, the 1.7-litre 170V formed the mainstay of Mercedes-Benz production in the immediate post-war years. Running gear was state-of-the-art at the time, comprising an oval-tube backbone-type chassis, swing-axle independent rear suspension, transverse-leaf independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes. Two- and four-door saloon models were offered together with no fewer than five different soft-tops. The model reappeared post-war and in improved form continued in production until 1955.

The Mercedes-Benz 170V presented here is one of 271 of these stylish Sport-Roadsters built, of which only 11 are known to exist today.

Descriptions & pictures by bonhams & dyler & revivaler & classicdigest