Vehicle Description
1950 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet AChassis No. 136.042.06092Body
No. 181.130.0153- Formerly owned by legendary collector Paul
Andrews of Texas.- One of only 1,686 Cabriolet A and B models
produced for 1950.- A wonderful counterpoint to its big brother,
the 300S.- Beautifully presented in Black with a black cabriolet
roof over red leather.- Easy and fun to drive with its
fully-synchronized 4-speed manual transmission.- Includes
three-piece matching and fitted luggage.Following the devastation
of WWII, Daimler-Benz was a mere shadow of its former operation.
The company was initially permitted to build only such vehicles as
might be of direct benefit to the nation's social and economic
recovery. Private cars did not fit into that category, and thus its
first post-war models were delivery vans, pickup trucks and
ambulances based on the pre-war 170V. By May 1947, Daimler-Benz was
once again permitted to build cars, most of which were ordinary
170V saloons. 1949 saw the introduction of the 170S which was which
longer and wider than the lesser model from which it was
derived.The added luxury meant additional weight so M-B upsized and
modified the engine to 1767cc and 52hp, a 37% increase in power.
The chassis, too, was revised to include wider tires on smaller
15-inch wheels and a front suspension that now included wishbones
and coil springs similar in design to the 1937-39 Grand Prix cars.
The swing-axle rear suspension was fitted with angled telescopic
shock absorbers and the track widened. Beginning in 1949, coupe and
cabriolet versions of the 170S were introduced including the
4/5-passenger Cabriolet B, and the smaller and much prettier
Cabriolet A, which used chrome to brighten its appearance. At more
than one and one-half times the price of the 170S saloon, the
Cabriolet A found few buyers. Both it and the Cabriolet B were
withdrawn from production late in 1951.170S Cabriolets such as this
example are rarely seen. In both Cabriolet A and Cabriolet B
configurations, just 2,433 were produced over three years,
including 1,686 in 1950. These models set the standard for
Mercedes-Benz renowned interior comfort and equipped with a
synchromesh 4-speed manual gearbox, they are both easy and fun to
drive. The handsome automobile has prominent front-end styling with
a nod to pre-war design in its tall grille and free-standing
headlights; yet the remainder of the car presages the forthcoming
300S Cabriolet. This resemblance to the 300, albeit in scaled-down
form, is what prompted legendary collector, the late-Paul Andrews,
at one time to include this car in his collection.Finished in a
classic combination of Black with a black cabriolet roof over a red
leather interior, this lovely Cabriolet A is believed to have been
restored with the last decade. The restoration exhibits high
quality in both its fit and finish and the chassis number and
adjacent chassis tag are both clearly visible. The engine bay is
clean, well-presented and nicely detailed. Inside you'll find
clear, crips gauges, a Becker radio, and lovely wood details with
chrome accents appropriate for an up-level German car of this
vintage. The trunk, too, is nicely finished and supplied with
matching fitted three-piece luggage. A correct full-size spare tire
and car cover are also included.
