Vehicle Description
Mercedes-Benz has been a manufacturing powerhouse for over a
century, and during World War II, its factories were highly
valuable targets for Allied bombers. Many of their manufacturing
and design facilities were heavily damaged, but despite this, the
company was quick to resume automobile production after the war.
The first post-war cars were the W136 170 V sedans which traced
their roots back to the late 1930's. These bread-and-butter sedans
served as solid, reliable transportation in the austere post-war
years and became popular with taxi and delivery drivers. But as
Europe recovered and production of the 170 V increased, so too did
demand for more luxurious and special models. To meet this demand,
the 170 S was introduced. The first special-class car to be built
by Mercedes-Benz after the War; the 170 S had a more powerful
engine than the 170 V, as well as improved front suspension,
revised styling and a more luxurious and spacious cabin. Power came
from an uprated version of the 1.7 liter inline four-cylinder
engine, producing 53 horsepower and 82 ft-lbs or torque. The 170 S
was offered as a handsome saloon, full four-seat Cabriolet B and
sporty Cabriolet A. Open cars were meticulously hand-built at
Mercedes' Sindelfingen Carrosserie, where they were luxuriously
trimmed with leather and wood. While Mercedes was still many years
away from officially designating "S-Class" as its flagship range,
many feel that the 170 S is its spiritual predecessor. With the 170
S, Mercedes-Benz had marked its return to the top of the luxury
motorcar market. This outstanding 1951 170 S is from the final year
of production, one of just a handful sold that year with the highly
desirable Cabriolet A coachwork by Sindelfingen. A gorgeous car
from top to bottom, it has been treated to a concours-quality
restoration with meticulous attention to detail. Copies of the
original build sheets and documents show this car was ordered in
July of 1951. Upon its completion, it was dispatched from the
Sindelfingen Werk, bound for Zurich Switzerland. Swiss import
documents dated March 28th 1952 show it was delivered to Herr Ernst
Benz. Not long after, the Mercedes was purchased in Switzerland by
an American Army officer, and it eventually made its way to the
United States. In about the mid-1960s, it was purchased by Richard
A. Carlson of Coatesville, Pennsylvania who kept it for
approximately 20 years. The next owner was Mr. Walter Progner who
purchased the car in 1984, and is the man who eventually embarked
on a multi-year restoration to return this fine motor to its former
glory. These early post-war Mercedes-Benz automobiles are extremely
difficult and costly to restore properly, and as such, we seldom
see them given the treatment they deserve. Thankfully, Mr. Progner
was a passionate enthusiast who lavished the little Mercedes with
tremendous care. As the restoration commenced, the chassis and
mechanicals were entrusted to Gerhardt Reinhard, proprietor of a
small shop in Pennsylvania that specializes in classic
Mercedes-Benz automobiles. Mr. Reinhard was himself an employee of
the Sindelfingen Werk during the time this car was built - making
it entirely possible he had a hand in its original construction and
its restoration! Concurrently, the body and interior were restored
over a three year period by Barry Stalnecker of Annville, PA, while
the extensive brightwork was restored to concours standards by
Martin's of Philadelphia. The results of the restoration speak for
themselves. Paintwork has been restored to the original shade of
maroon (DB 513), and is beautifully applied showing straight, clean
reflections and glassy-smooth surfacing. As part of the
restoration, the body was removed from the chassis, jigged and
disassembled. These are notoriously difficult to align properly,
and the restorers did an exemplary job refitting the panels. The
rear-hinged doors fit very well, with even gaps and the signature
solid-hewn feel that is unmistakable Mercedes-Benz. Fitment of the
extensive chrome trim is excellent, and even upon close inspection,
reveals virtually flawless finishing. Interesting details include
the semaphore turn signals, and the flush fit tail lamps. Most 170s
had bullet-type tail lights, but this being a late production
example; it features the flush-mounted units that were carried over
into the later 220 S and 300 S models. Of course, the signature of
the 170 S was the luxuriously trimmed interior. Again, using the
build sheet as a reference, this car was restored using natural tan
leather supplied by a German restoration specialist. The material
is exquisite and unmarked, expertly fitted to the frames. The
folding, occasional rear seats are also trimmed in the same high
quality leather, as are the door cards and even the fascia of the
dash. Caramel-colored carpets tie in beautifully with the natural
leather, again very nicely executed, in excellent condition and in
factory correct materials. Leaving no screw unturned, the restorers
returned the wood, which adorned the dash, door caps and cockpit
surround, to its original natural finish. Interior chrome fittings
are beautiful, and the dash is equipped with its correct VDO
instrumentation and a most wonderful, original Telefunken Radio.
The fully-lined cabriolet top features large chrome landau bars and
is trimmed in correct tan German Sonnendeck canvas. The trunk is
detailed with a correct spare wheel, original tool roll and jack as
well as a 2 piece set of fitted luggage, held in situ with leather
straps. Beneath the bonnet, the engine is well detailed, showing
only the lightest signs of use, but remaining in very clean and
tidy condition. Despite its modest horsepower and pre-war era
roots, the engine is a strong and eager unit, delivering
performance that is brisk and enjoyable. Road manners are
excellent, as this car has received some recent servicing and
sorting. The history is very well documented with copies of the
rare original build sheet, early customs documents, and extensive
restoration records. Original service manuals, parts books and
instruction books are included as is an original dealer brochure
and show records. Shown multiple times at the world famous AACA
Eastern Fall Meet, best known as "Hershey", this fabulous car was
awarded an AACA Senior award in 2009, and an AACA Preservation
award in 2012. It has also been shown on the lawn of the
prestigious Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in 2013. This superb
Mercedes-Benz 170 S has been cherished by its previous owners, and
the quality of the restoration speaks to its importance in the
collector world. Just over 800 units of the 170 S Cab A were
produced between 1948 and 1951, and this is one of the last of last
Mercedes to be truly hand-built in the historic Sindelfingen works;
a very special and highly desirable motorcar from Mercedes' golden
era. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details
please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6815-1951-mercedes-benz-170s-cabriolet/
