1937 Mercedes 170 V
Cabriolet A
An exercise in Art Deco Elegance
Background
The Mercedes-Benz 170 V (W136) was introduced in February 1936 at the Berlin International Motor and Motorcycle Show. It was a pivotal machine for Daimler-Benz.
Exclusivity: Unlike the four-seater "Cabriolet B," the Cabriolet A was a dedicated two-seater (often with a small luggage shelf or jump seat). It was the most expensive, sporting, and elegant variant available.
Design: It featured a longer, more sweeping hood line, distinctively raked windshield, and flowing fender curves that masked the car's compact dimensions, giving it the presence of a much larger roadster.
Performance: Under the hood lay the robust M136 engine—a 1.7-liter inline-four producing 38 horsepower. While modest by modern standards, the engine was legendary for its smoothness and proven reliability (so much so that this engine essentially powered Mercedes' post-war reconstruction)
Chassis: The car abandoned the heavy box-frames of the past for a revolutionary X-shaped oval tubular frame. This made the car lighter and stiffer, while four-wheel independent suspension (transverse leaf springs up front, swing axles in the rear) provided a ride quality that was decades ahead of its stiff-axle competitors.
Re-creation from a photo of the restored car
Why Collectors Want It
For a modern purchaser or collector, the 1937 170 V Cabriolet A offers a unique value proposition that distinguishes it from other pre-war classics:
Rarity & Prestige: Hand-built at the Sindelfingen works (click for more info), the Cabriolet A was produced in strictly limited numbers. With many lost during the war, this model remains one of the rarest survivors of the pre-war era representing a pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz prestige. It commands a significantly higher market value and is welcome at high-tier concourse events where a standard sedan might not be.
Drivability: Because of the independent front suspension and swing-axle rear, the 170 V does not "drive like a truck"—a common complaint with 1930s American cars. It tracks straight and rides comfortably, making it a genuinely usable classic for touring.
Engineering Pedigree: It represents the lineage of the "Silver Arrows." The build quality—from the solid "thunk" of the doors to the heavy chrome switchgear—feels unmistakably Mercedes-Benz.
Photostat of the original bill of sale
Provenance
The original bill of sale informs us that the car was purchased in the summer of 1937 by a german Luftwaffe officer in Mannheim.
Re-creation from a photo of the restored car
Restoration
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Frame Off Restoration
The body was removed from the frame and the chassis components were cleaned and powder coated. -
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Metal Work
Body parts were meticulously aligned. -
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Rust
Any hint of rust was identified and repaired. -
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Drive Train
The engine, transmission and rear end were disassembled and restored.
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Panels and Doors
Panels and doors were carefully gapped and aligned.
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Restored Gauges
The gauges were professionally restored to show room condition.
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Wood Trim
The wood trim was stripped, stained and lacquered with a hand-rubbed finish. -
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Carpet and Upholstery
Every detail of the interior was meticulously crafted. -
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Rear View
The original spare tire cover that came with this car was in prime condition even before the restoration commenced.
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Leather Interior
The carpet and top material were tailored to perfectly complement the depth and texture of the bespoke leather upholstery.
