Vehicle Description
Mercedes-Benz has long demonstrated the power of a diverse product
portfolio. With an ethos of quality and innovation above all,
Mercedes-Benz has made their mark in virtually every aspect of over
the road transport, from taxicabs to Formula 1 cars, supercars to
heavy trucks. Although they are most closely associated with
luxury, Mercedes-Benz wisely relied upon the middle of the market
to provide the majority of their sales over the years. When the
luxury car market sagged in the 1930s, Mercedes-Benz was quick to
realize the importance of expanding their offerings, yet crucially,
they managed to do so without cheapening their brand and damaging
their reputation for quality. The 170 was conceived to compete in
the mid-priced market, making its debut at the Paris Auto Salon in
1931. Chassis engineer Hans Nibel designed the platform which
featured revolutionary all-independent suspension in a lightweight
chassis. The ride quality and handling prowess were far and above
superior to other vehicles in the same class. The new model proved
quite popular, with nearly 70,000 examples built before 1941. Found
within the 170 range was a wide variety of vehicles that utilized
the innovative chassis. Mercedes-Benz offered it as a two- or
four-door sedan, two- or four-seat cabriolet, roadster,
cabrio-sedan, open touring car, Sedan Delivery, taxi, ambulance, or
pickup. Eventually, the range-topping Cabriolet A was added to the
mix. The Cabriolet A was a product of the prestigious Sindelfingen
coachbuilding department, Mercedes' in-house custom body builder.
Herman Ahrens arrived at Mercedes-Benz in 1932, setting up a custom
coachbuilding shop at the Sindelfingen works. His reputation for
quality was established at that Deutsche Industrie Werke in Berlin
as well as with Horch where he designed some of that firm's most
prestigious motorcars.� Alongside Walter Hacker, who joined him at
Mercedes in 1933, Mercedes-Benz styling was transformed and the duo
produced some of their most breathtaking designs on the 540K
chassis.� For buyers of somewhat more modest means than the typical
540K client, the 170 V Cabriolet offered the cachet of a
Sindelfingen-designed body at a more reasonable (though still not
insignificant) $1,459 in 1936. Rather than modifying a
mass-produced model, each Cabriolet A was hand built alongside its
more expensive stablemates. The resemblance to its larger sibling
can be seen in the graceful sweep of the front wings, the taper of
the bonnet as it flows from cowl to radiator grille and the elegant
proportions. Our featured example of this rare and desirable
coachbuilt Mercedes-Benz was recently part of the collection of
renowned contemporary American realist painter Jamie Wyeth. It was
completely restored beginning in 1990 by Magno Restorations of
Massachusetts and has been featured in the May/June 1997 issue of
The Star magazine. It has been very well cared for since the
high-quality restoration was completed, and it presents today in
lovely condition. The two-tone black and red paint is period
correct and highlights the handsome lines of this rare and
desirable body. Beautiful concours-quality chrome work remains in
excellent order and the body fit and alignment reveal this as a
very high level restoration. The signature of the 170 V are the
stylish steel disc wheels, in this case painted in red to
complement the body sides and provide some visual pop against the
black wings. The body style is simple yet finely detailed with
features such as an inset rear-mount spare tire, a small "trunk"
behind the top, exposed landau irons and cowl-mounted trafficators.
The cabin is trimmed in lovely dark red leather that complements
the exterior paint scheme. The soft trim remains in very good
condition, showing signs of light use since the restoration, but
presenting with a welcoming broken-in character. Instruments,
switchgear and interior brightwork are all in very good order,
again showing some light use but remaining very attractive. A
side-facing rear seat is fitted for the occasional second
passenger, providing they don't mind the cozy experience. Beneath
the bonnet is a simple and humble appearing 1,697 cc side-valve
four-cylinder which produces 38hp. Our example is well detailed
with proper fittings and hardware, though not over restored or
fussy. The engine produces 38hp and delivers the power to the rear
wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Four wheel hydraulic
brakes and independent suspension allow for this car to feel much
younger than its 79 years. Following its high quality restoration,
this car was shown at a great number of prestigious events such as
Meadow Brook, Castle Hill Concours, Lime Rock Vintage Fall
Festival, Radnor Hunt Concours and others. It was displayed at the
Lars Anderson Museum's Mercedes Retrospective and even featured in
advertising for Saks Fifth Avenue. It remains in handsome
condition, and is ready for use in tours, rallies or simply to
enjoy for its delightful road manners on your favorite country
roads. This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a true
Sindelfingen coachbuilt Mercedes-Benz that can be thoroughly
enjoyed on the road or on a show field.
