Mercedes-Benz 170 V W136

Mercedes-Benz 170 V W136 History

The Mercedes-Benz W136 is a significant series in the history of the German automaker, serving as the main line of four-cylinder cars from the mid-1930s to the 1950s. Introduced in 1936, the model 170 V, part of the W136 series, became Mercedes' top-selling model up to that time, with over 75,000 units built by 1942​​. This vehicle featured a 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a four-speed synchromesh manual transmission, offering 38 PS at 3,400 RPM​​.

The W136 was available in a broad range of body types, including the "Limousine" (sedan), "Cabrio-Limousine," two-seater "Cabriolet A," and four-seater "Cabriolet B"​​. It also included commercial variants and special editions for ambulances, police, mountain rescue, and military use​​. During World War II, production focused on military vehicles, but post-war, production resumed with the 170 V once again becoming a top-seller​​.

In 1949, the 170D variant became the world's third diesel-powered passenger car and the first post-war diesel car introduced by Mercedes-Benz​​. The series evolved with the introduction of the upscale 170 S variant in 1949, which later contributed to the S-Class lineage, although the name was not yet in use​​.

By 1953, with the introduction of the Ponton-bodied Mercedes-Benz 180, the 170 models began to appear dated, leading to the delisting of the 170 V and the introduction of the 170 S-V. In September 1955, the last of the W136, the 170 S, was withdrawn from production, marking the end of an era for this storied vehicle​​.