1936 MERCEDES BENZ 170 V Cabriolet A (W136) 170 V 4MT (38 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 1936, at the International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin, Mercedes-Benz showed the 170 V, 170 H, and 260 D lineups. The 170 V was an important model in the company’s heritage.

The design of the new 170 V started in 1933 under the direction of chief design engineer Dr. Hans Nibel and designer Max Wagner. The 170 V to be cheaper than a regular Mercedes-Benz, with the engine in the front and it had to be launched in three years. And the result was the 170 V.

The convertible version shared the same chassis with the rest of the W136 range. Despite a longer wheelbase, the new frame was some 50 kg (110.2 lbs) lighter and also stiffer than the box-section frame previously used in the 170. The car featured a long hood, short cabin, and sloped end where the spare-wheel was installed. The specific Mercedes-Benz grille in the front was tall and narrow. Unlike other Mercedes-Benz from that era, the headlights were mounted on the front fenders and not on a chromed bar.

It was the roadster for those who couldn’t afford an expensive model and Mercedes-Benz didn’t want to lose those customers in favor of BMW, who already had a 2-seat convertible on the market. For those who wished a four-seat cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz built the Cabriolet B, which featured the same chassis and drivetrain, but with a longer cabin and a shorter back.

The 170 Cabriolet A featured an inline-four engine with a 1.7-liter displacement. It was mated to a four-speed gearbox. The Convertible A was the most expensive 170 V. It was fitted with the newly developed rear swing axle, which allowed better comfort and speed cornering.