1936 MERCEDES BENZ Typ 170 H (W28) 170

Vehicle Overview

In 1936, Mercedes-Benz showed a compact car designed for the masses: the 170 H. It was part of the new trend among the ambitious automotive designers to move away from the rigid rear axle toward an independent suspension, rear- or mid-engine and a streamlined body.

The new trend was set by pioneers such as Edmund Rumpler, Hans Ledwink, Gustav Rohr and Joseph Ganz, the editor in chief of the “Motor Kritik” magazine. The latter was a strong advocate for streamlined cars. These engineers played a major role in the development of the 130H, a car that featured full carpeting inside, instead of the regular rubber mats and other amenities inspired by the luxury department.

The 130 H failed to convince the buyers but, in February 1936, the 170 H (W28) made its debut at the International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin along with its sister model, the 170 V. The “H” letter stood for “Heck motor” meaning the car was equipped with a rear-engine, while the “V’ letter was used for front-engine versions.

The 170 H and 170 V had originally been designed with a 1.6-liter engine. Based on the 1.3-liter engine, this power unit, under development since 1933, had originally been intended to power the rear-engined model from as early as 1935. The increased displacement, achieved by increasing the bore and stroke, was performed to increase the torque. The body of the 170 H, had harmonious and balanced lines than its predecessor, the 130H, and received the general approval.