Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz 170 V made its public debut in February 1936 and immediately became Mercedes' best selling model. A broad variety of body types was offered, including a military kübelwagen, produced from 1938 to 1942. During the war the Mercedes-Benz plant suffered severe bomb damage, but nevertheless production resumed in May 1946, initially only light trucks and ambulances. Passenger car production resumed in July 1947, but volumes were still very low, with just 1,045 170 Vs produced that year.

Lacking a luxury car in its line-up, Mercedes sought to regain a niche in that market by introducing the upscale 170 S (W191) in 1949. It was more luxurious, costlier and slightly larger than the 170 V. That same year, the diesel powered 170 D was introduced. In May 1950 the 170 V and 170 D received a power upgrade with a larger, 1,767 cc engine. With the appearance of the new ponton-bodied Mercedes-Benz 180 in 1953, the 170 models suddenly appeared very old fashioned. In July 1953 Mercedes had replaced the existing 170 S with the reduced specification 170 S-V. It combined the slightly larger body from the 170 S with the less powerful engine that had powered the 170 V. The diesel powered 170 S continued to be sold, now branded as the 170 S-D, while the 170 V was discontinued in September 1953.