1946 MERCEDES BENZ Typ 170 (W136/W191) 170 Vb

Vehicle Overview

After WWII, Mercedes-Benz resumed car production with this vehicle, the Typ 170, which was based on the 1936 model year.

Unlike BMW, Adler, or Wanderer, the Mercedes-Benz plant was less affected by the war. Moreover, most of the tools needed to build the Typ 170 were still in working condition. Thus, the management decided to continue making the model, despite being already old. But customers didn’t care. At first, Mercedes-Benz produced mostly utility vehicles, including ambulances and light trucks. But passenger vehicles followed soon.

Even though customers were not very concerned about the look of their vehicles, they still admired the slightly refreshed design of the 1946 Typ 170. Its curved, sloped wheel arches followed a similar look to the one used for the pre-war vehicles. The tilted, somewhat backward tall grille added a flair of exclusivity to the car. Another appreciated feature was the B-pillar-hinged doors. Thus, the front doors were opened rearward, while the back doors were opened regularly. The almost vertical, racked forward panel hosted the spare wheel, neatly hidden under a metallic cover at the back.

Inside, there was room for five passengers. It wasn’t the same luxurious vehicle before the war, but in 1946 it was a luxury to have a car. Any brand, not only a Mercedes-Benz.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a choice of gasoline and diesel engines. The latter was the first diesel-powered vehicle after WWII.