The 170 was the foundation upon which Daimler-Benz rebuilt itself after World War II. Whereas the tooling and patterns for much of the company’s other models had not survived, the 170’s equipment had, and so this was the first model to return to production, virtually unchanged, after the war. It remained a popular, lower-cost part of the Mercedes-Benz line up well into the 1950s and was offered in a staggering array of variations, with both gasoline and diesel power. As it was too expensive to be a “people’s car”, it became a “businessman’s car” instead, and it became a symbol of growth and success in post-war Germany.

Offered here is a 170 Da, or diesel, model with unusual pickup bodywork. Described by an RM specialist as “a cute little scootabout truck”, it is very nicely finished in a period-correct two-tone brown, with a bed painted to match, and it is in fully restored condition. This 170 Da is very well appointed by truck standards of this period and features black rubber floor mats, a clock, fuel and oil gauges, a clock, an ashtray, a rearview mirror, sun visors, dual glove boxes, a heater, and wheel trim rings. The interior even has an Art Deco courtesy light, for night-time driving. What little chrome trim that is present has been nicely refinished, and the aluminium trim is original with a pleasant patina.

This charming truck would be ideal to lightly freshen mechanically and drive as-is or to refinish in the livery of one’s own business, for a promotional vehicle that would surely never go unnoticed.