Highlights

Restored to a very high standard in 2011 with extensive records of work
Spent most of its life as part of Hallin Sven’s Swedish collection
Beautiful condition in a desirable colour scheme
Rare and very collectable Cabriolet B four seat model
Correctly UK registered
Extensive history file including lots of early paperwork

The Appeal

You have to admire Mercedes-Benz. A few short years after the devastation of the Second World War, it returned with this car, the 170S. It was engineered to perfection and built to exacting standards. Inevitably it was very expensive and only 2,433 were built between 1949 and 1951.

The W136 was aesthetically similar to the firm’s pre-war cars. As this car shows, that was no bad thing - it manages to be both handsome and understated. The 170S got a more powerful version of the 1,767cc engine, allied to an advanced all-synchromesh gearbox, which makes these cars suitable for modern driving.

This car was delivered new in Sweden in 1951 and is therefore likely one of the last to leave the production line. It was acquired by local collector Hallin Sven in 1967. He loved it so much that he kept it until 2010. Between 2010 and 2011 a comprehensive and high end body off restoration began, a process that is carefully annotated in the history file and on a USB drive full of photos.

The current keeper located the car in the Netherlands in 2014 and imported it to the UK in the same year. It is fully UK registered with an ageless plate as shown. A useful MOT undertaken on arrival confirms it has been very sparingly used since, covering less than 1,000 kms in the last decade.

That care has preserved the restoration work. Finished in black and cream with a magnolia leather interior that retains the exquisite factory detailing, this car is as much static object d’art as it is a lovely motoring experience.

The vendor writes:

“The car looks amazing and would be a great addition to any serious collector. It looks like it could have been driven out of the factory only a few years ago.”

The History and Paperwork

First registered in Sweden in 1951
Acquired by Swedish collector Hallin Sven in 1967
He retained the car until 2010
Extensive body-off restoration 2010 to 2011 documented in photos and history file
Acquired by current keeper from specialist Netherlands dealer in 2014
Imported to UK and registered here December 2014
One registered keeper since arriving in the UK
All UK import documentation and charges settled and recorded in history file
VIN number 136043322451
MOT’d on arrival in UK (expired 12th November 2015) with no advisories
57,153 kms on MOT test and now showing 57,927 kms (35,994 kms)
Seller states that the displayed kilometerage is correct but this is not verified
Selection of photos of restoration process shown in photo deck
USB drive containing extensive photographs from restoration included in history file
Extensive and thick history file as shown in photos
The history dates back to the car’s early days with highlights shown in photos

The Condition

Fully restored car that has covered few kms since completion as verified by history file
Beautiful and very well kept black and cream paintwork as shown
There are some minor stone chips to note due to age of restoration but not unsightly
Underside presents very well with clear evidence of restoration and protection
Factory correct car with steel wheels with factory chrome hub caps and white wall tyres
Exterior chromework in very good order with bright finish and evidence of rechroming during restoration
Chassis was rebuilt and protected during restoration as shown in photos
Black folding Cabriolet B mohair roof in good order and reported to be wind proof
Car is supplied with fitted tonneau as shown in photos
Exquisite interior exhibiting high quality factory finish with extensive wood veneers
Vendor reports that the interior was retrimmed during the 2011 restoration
Cabin fittings are in very good condition including switchgear, dials and trim
Magnolia leather four seat layout betrays few if any signs of wear as shown
Carpets and other trim present well with ‘170SB’ branded mats fitted

This 170S Cabriolet B is a reminder of the coachbuilder’s art in the immediate post-war years. The quality is truly impressive, the open top body evolving the relatively mass-market 170S saloon into something altogether more esoteric.

The quality of this car’s restoration between 2010 and 2011 is obvious. Look across the lovely two-tone exterior and exquisite magnolia interior and your eye is constantly rewarded with beautiful details and elements that have been carefully recreated by the restorer. The cabin’s extensive wood trim is a particular delight.

Sparing use since completion, most of it in the hands of the current keeper, means that all that effort has been preserved. There are some very light signs of age - such as discreet stone chips - but none detract from the overall impression of quality.

The Mechanics

1,767cc M136 52bhp 4cyl engine
4spd fully synchromesh manual gearbox
Mechanicals and running gear fully overhauled during restoration
Car has covered few kms since this work was completed
MOT exempt with few miles since last advisory-free MOT
Car is reported to drive well with light, precise steering
Vendor reports that the car keeps up well with modern traffic
No reported running or driving issues
Will be fitted with new 6V battery prior to sale
Thick history file of servicing and maintenance work dating back to early days

The 170S updated the mechanicals and running gear of the earlier 170V, delivering a car with sharper steering - thanks to revised front axle - and more power from the durable 1.7L M136 in line four. A fully synchromesh gearbox added to the sense of an advanced, well engineered car.

This 1951 170S’ mechanicals and running gear were carefully and fully rebuilt during the 2010 to 2011 restoration. The history file and MOT records confirm that it has covered exceptionally few miles since that work was completed.

The vendor reports that the car runs and drives very well and is a joy to drive thanks to its light, precise steering. That it keeps up well with modern traffic and is easy to drive thanks to that synchro box surely add to the considerable allure of this rare and beautiful car.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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