Mercedes 170V

Mercedes 170V

Specs Mentioned:

Make/ Model – Mercedes 170V (1936)

Engine – 1697cc, in-line 4-cylinder, watercooled, overhead valve type

Power – 38hp @ 3600 rpm 

Torque – 72.35 ft/lb, @ 1800 rpm 

Top speed – 67mph

0-60mph – 36 seconds

On 15 February 1936, Mercedes-Benz presented the 170 V at the International Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition (IAMA) in Berlin. This marked the beginning of a success story for the brand: fifty years after the invention of the car by Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, the technically sophisticated and visually striking 170 V became a bestseller and secured Mercedes-Benz a top position in the medium-size car category. No less than 140,386 of the 170 V were produced.

170 V – the “V” stood for the German word vorn, indicating the engine was “front-mounted”. The chassis was a robust X-shaped oval tube frame, independent by traverse leaf spring, and coil spring rear swing-axle and was equipped with a 1.7 litre four-cylinder engine. The engine vibration was reduced by rubber mounts. This model was marked as the first in having all round independent suspension.  The 170V has unique features for a car of its era, introducing petrol gauges and indicators to the motorcar and “one shot” pump for lubrication of the suspension and steering links.

The featured car was first registered in Ceylon in 1937 and is one of the oldest surviving Mercedes in the country. The car was owned by a 70-year-old bus owner, Gajasinghage Silva and was then handed over with great sentiment to the current owner in old Sri lankan tradition with betel leaves in 1983. The 170V remains in its original condition and has won numerous vintage and Mercedez-Benz Pageants.