The Mercedes-Benz 170, a new compact model for 1931, launched the company into a new segment of the German automobile market. Selling for 4,400 to 5,575 Reichsmarks, it was nearly half the price of the contemporary Stuttgart 200. It was available in limousine, roadster, and touring styles, and it also offered four-passenger cabriolets in three different variations.

This Roadster, perhaps the most endearing of all 170 body styles, is handsome in medium grey with dark blue wings and body mouldings. This example was ordered in September 1933 and to be delivered to its first owner, an industrialist by the name of Gueterman, in Freiburg, Germany. The rear of this attractive little roadster body is very similar to that of the factory roadster bodies found on some Type 40 and Type 44 Bugattis. The paint is a quality job, showing virtually no flaws. The luggage compartment, the lid of which opens from the front, like a dickie seat, has no cushions within, just a vinyl lining on the underside of the lid and black carpeting beneath. The hood and its frame and screens for the doors are located therein.

The interior is upholstered in grey leather, which is slightly worn and faded, whilst the grey vinyl door panels and instrument panel are nicely contrasted by dark grey carpeting with blue-grey piping, which shows minor discoloration. The engine compartment and undercarriage are both of driver quality and show some signs of use; they could benefit from some detailing. Bosch trafficators have been fitted to the scuttle, but they are augmented with modern flashing signals that have been subtly mounted to the bumpers. Blackwall tyres have been mounted to body colour disc wheels to complete the appearance. The Mercedes-Benz 170 is not generally regarded as a sports model. This car, however, belies that image, and its new owner will certainly feel like the consummate sportsman.