Name: Mercedes-Benz 170 V model: V as in engine in the vanguard
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz 170 V was presented at the International Automobile and Motorcycle Show in Berlin in February 1936. It replaced the 170 model after five and a half years. While having the identical displacement of 1.7 litres, the new model was more powerful, more modern and cheaper than its predecessor.

The 170 V was the by far most important passenger car model of the pre-war era for Daimler-Benz and secured the Mercedes-Benz brand a top position in the mid-size segment.

Facts

Model series: W 136
Production period: 1936–1942, 1946–1953
Vehicle bodies: Saloon (2 doors)
Saloon (4 doors)
Cabriolet saloon (4 doors)
Touring car (2 doors, until 1937)
Touring car (4 doors, from 1938)
Cabriolet B
Roadster (2+2 seats)
Cabriolet A (from end of 1935)
Police Kübelsitzer staff vehicle (from 1937)
Van and platform vehicle (1937–1942, 1946–1953)
Wood gas generator (1939 – 1943)

Technical development

X-shaped tubular frame with oval tubing

Technical development

X-shaped tubular frame with oval tubing

While having the identical wheelbase, the X-shaped tubular frame with oval tubing was about 50 kg lighter and more rigid than the previously used boxed frame of the 170. The frame construction of the 170 V was so robust that it withstood even the tough uses as staff vehicles and panel vans. The engine was installed in the front fork of the frame, while the rear fork housed the differential.

Cutaway model of an MB 170 V Cabriolet B, around 1936

Mercedes-Benz 170 V, 38 hp, rolling chassis, production period: 1936-1942

Mercedes-Benz 170 V, 38 hp, rolling chassis, production period 1936-1942

Market appeal

The market response to the 170 V E-Class

With over 70,000 units in various body style variants, the 170 V was the Mercedes-Benz passenger car of the pre-war era built in the greatest numbers.

Market appeal

The market response to the 170 V E-Class

With over 70,000 units in various body style variants, the 170 V was the Mercedes-Benz passenger car of the pre-war era built in the greatest numbers.

Mercedes-Benz 170 V (W 136) in a winter landscape

Mercedes-Benz 170 V, 38 hp, Cabriolet B, production period: 1936-1942

Mercedes-Benz 170 V, 38 hp, Cabriolet B, production period 1936-1942

The brochure from 1939 hit the nail on the head when describing the success of the 170 V: "How well this new car model [...] meets the needs of the car market is proven by the fact that the Mercedes-Benz 170 V has achieved unprecedented sales figures for a car of its segment."

After the end of the war, the 170 V continued its pre-war role and formed the basis for the new beginning of the post-war production.

History

Post-war era

History

Post-war era

Mercedes-Benz 170 V from the year 1949

After the end of the war, passenger car production resumed in 1946 with the proven 170 V model. However, only vans and platform vehicles were produced initially. An ambulance based on the panel van and a police patrol car based on the platform vehicle complemented the model range.

Finally, production of the four-door saloon also recommenced in July 1947.

Until early 1949, the 170 V model was the only passenger car model in the Mercedes-Benz model range, and from 1949 until the end of its production in September 1955, the continually expanded 170-series range formed the backbone of the passenger car production of Daimler-Benz.

History timeline

170 D: the first diesel-powered passenger car of the post-war era

History timeline

170 D: the first diesel-powered passenger car of the post-war era

Mercedes-Benz 170 D Saloon, 1949-50; cover of the brochure from 1949 with a drawing by Walter Gotschke

The first Daimler-Benz passenger car models newly designed after the war were presented at the Technical Export Trade Fair in Hanover in May 1949 - the 170 D and the 170 S. The 170 D was largely identical to the 170 V, but had a 1.7 l diesel engine.

The 170 D was particularly popular in the first years of its production, in part because the petrol supply was still problematic even five years after the end of the war, while diesel fuel was available in sufficient quantities everywhere.