Basic information and history

Mercedes-Benz 170 V was introduced in 1936 as the successor to the rear-engined 170 H and quickly became the marque's most important model during the latter part of the 1930s. Beneath the shell was an oval-tube frame, independent suspension all round and a 1.7-litre side-valve four-stroke engine producing just under 40 horsepower, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The combination of comfort, durability and easy servicing made the 170 V one of the longest-lived designs in Mercedes-Benz history, and the model was resumed after the end of the war.

This example is a saloon of the 1938 model year and was sold new in Sweden. The odometer reads 74,280 km, but this cannot be guaranteed. The car has had seven owners over the years. According to the available documents, the vehicle has not undergone a roadworthiness inspection since 1941, giving the car an unusual paper trail for the historically curious to dig further into.

The seller states that the car has been restored to usable condition and has not been driven much. The previous owner passed away without having used the car to any great extent. The current seller has only transported the car home on a trailer and has therefore not driven it himself, but according to the previous owner it ran without fault.

Equipment and options

• 1.7-litre side-valve four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine
• Manual gearbox
• Instrumentation according to original
• The equipment is judged by the seller to be mainly original

The car is not in fully original condition. The headliner and door panels have been reupholstered in plush, and the door panels are home-made. The carpets are not original. Climate control, audio/media systems and seatbelts are absent, which is in line with the car's age and specification.

Condition

Exterior: The body is described as being in good condition, as are the windows. The paint is a usable finish with no show ambitions. There are irregularities on the left front fender as well as a minor dent. The seller believes the paint should look good with a polish.

Interior: The seats are original and are described as looking reasonably good, while the dashboard is stated to be in good condition. The headliner and door panels are covered in plush and are not original. Two door panels are worn and two are missing. The carpets are not original. Wood trim is missing on the left front door as well as one trim piece on the right front door. The left rear door cannot be opened. The seller describes the interior otherwise as good for a car that is almost 90 years old.

Tyres and wheels: Tyres and wheels are described as being in good condition.

Mechanics and function: Both the engine and gearbox are stated to be in good condition. The engine starts and runs faultlessly according to the seller, the clutch works and the gearbox shifts without issue. The electrics work and the exterior lighting is functional. The trip odometer works. The seller cannot comment on the condition of the brakes since the car has not been driven, so a brake system inspection should be factored in before the car is put into use. The car can be driven as it stands, but it is not approved for roadworthiness inspection.

Service history

The car has not been fully serviced and there are no receipts or other documentation substantiating the service history. According to the documents accompanying the car, it has not been inspected since 1941. The seller states that the car has been restored to usable condition, but without documentation describing the scope of the work. A prospective buyer should therefore budget for an inspection and their own roadworthiness check prior to registration and use.

Summary

A 1938 Mercedes-Benz 170 V Sedan sold new in Sweden, restored to usable condition and sparingly used by previous owners. The engine and gearbox are described as being in good condition, as is the body, while the paint is a usable finish with some irregularities and the interior has a number of missing details in the form of door panels and wood trim. The headliner and door panels have been reupholstered in plush, deviating from original.

The car has not been inspected since 1941 and the condition of the brakes is unknown, meaning a technical inspection should be planned. For those seeking a period-typical pre-war Mercedes with a clear history in Sweden and room for personal input, this example offers an interesting starting point.