52 hp, 1,767 cc, four-cylinder side-valve engine, one down-draught Solex carburettor, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with wishbones and coil springs, independent rear suspension with swing axles and coil springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,850 mm

• One of only about 2,400 cabriolets built between 1949-52

• Modified and improved version of Hans Nibel’s 1936 landmark design

• High build quality, with walnut and leather trim, “suicide” rear-hinged doors

• Rare and sought-after survivor

• Mercedes-Benz Classic “Zertifikat” and original 170S brochure

Designer Hans Nibel’s Mercedes-Benz 170 was introduced in 1931 and was the company’s mainstay during the 1930s. It was quite progressive for its day, with independent suspension all around, four-wheel hydraulic brakes and a small 1.6-litre six-cylinder engine, which was replaced with a four-cylinder in the 170V of 1936.

After WWII the 170 soldiered on until 1955, with the more powerful “S” model introduced in 1949, with even a diesel option for taxi work. Along with basic sedans, attractive cabriolet bodies were offered in “A” and “B” styles. The latter is recognisable by the extended cockpit and side windows for the rear passengers.

The car on offer is a Cabriolet A model, sold new on 30 January, 1950 to Karl J. Otten, an entrepreneur in the clothing business. It had had three owners by 1961, when Peter Hutz bought it. Hutz installed a correct replacement engine in 1964, when the odometer read 95,425 kilometres. The present owner bought the car in 1980 and restored it in 1985 when it indicated 37,660 kilometres. The mileage is now 74,005 kilometres.

This cabriolet seems to have benefitted from steady use, with routine maintenance and repairs performed when necessary. It has been repainted in a 1958 Mercedes-Benz light beige DB 670, and the rear axle was replaced with a correct original in 1985. The front seats have been reupholstered in red leather, but the rear bench appears original.

The car is said to drive well, is equipped with a catalytic converter and comes with a considerable history file, its original service booklet, an original 170S sales brochure and a certificate of authenticity issued by Mercedes-Benz Classic in 2005, which indicates the car was delivered new with heater and children’s bench seat. It has been kept in a heated garage and has a current German TUV certificate. Please note, this car is eligible for historic German plates but does not have them at present.