World War II dealt Daimler-Benz a mighty blow. At war’s end, its plants were largely rubble and its passenger car line consisted only of the pre-war 170V, as the tooling for which had escaped destruction. It was a modest middle-class car that had been the best seller during the 1930s, and it was a good candidate for an austere recovery, with production beginning in the spring of 1946. A larger, 1,767-cubic centimetre engine was fitted starting in May 1950, and the petrol version was designated 170 Va, to distinguish it from the diesel model, 170 Da.

The archetypal post-war Mercedes 170, of which some 83,000 were built, is the ubiquitous 170 Va Saloon. This excellent example presents well in black, as it has a deep gloss and few blemishes. The brightwork is generally good, although the radiator shell, mirror, and door handles show some pits. The bumpers, however, are excellent.

The interior is upholstered in brown leather and is showing no wear. There is also light brown carpeting with brown piping, which is exhibiting some use, and the cloth headliner has some stains on the driver’s side. The instrument panel is very attractive and well detailed. The front windows have innovative glass draft deflectors that enable comfortable travel once the panes are retracted.

From 1950, Mercedes 170 cars had external boot access. This one also has fitted luggage, and the spare tyre on the boot lid has a metal cover. The engine compartment is nicely detailed, although it is showing some use, and the undercarriage is similarly sanitary. As a very tidy and typical example of Mercedes’ bread-and-butter post-war cars, it is sure to be a welcome addition to any collection.