Back in the '30s, Europe was going through a bit of a rear-engine phase, one that would lead to a lot of iconic cars. This movement was dominated by the likes of Tatra and, of course, the works of Ferdinand Porsche - who was working on the KdF-Wagen. This would later become the legendary Volkswagen Beetle. 

The chaps at Daimler-Benz took notice, and it's fair to say that Porsche's fingerprints could be seen in the result. Ferdinand Porsche had been Daimler-Benz' chief designer during the resulting car's development, and it became as much of an asset as it was an albatross. The problem was that the 170H, despite being a very well-sorted, well-built car, simply had trouble standing out.

The company noted that it lacked the sophistication of Mercedes-Benz' signature grille, and simply appeared that little bit too similar to the rival rear-engined cars that had now become a bit of a German calling card. As a result, the 170H never hit sales targets, and was built in comparatively tiny numbers. Production ended of the little Heckmotor by 1939 for the war effort, and the Wehrmacht noted they couldn't be converted to wood gas - so the 170H was never taken under control, and most survived the war. 

When German's financial markets had sunk like a stone following the war, these intrepid little cars proved a godsend. An impressive number pootled about Germany as a budget vehicle until they were run into the ground. By the 60s, most of them were broken-up bags-of-bolts, and - as a result - pre-war examples have become exceedingly rare and well-sought after. 

This handsome example is a well-kept, older restoration - in a very elegant livery with a matching and evocative cabin. It's a real little time capsule of a car, with a well-presented, simplistic cabin, plenty of pre-war character and chromework that has only been selectively re-plated as the years have marched on. 

Originally part of a significant collection of German cars, it's been remarkably well-kept and is ready and waiting for its lucky new owner. This is an unusual little German classic that shouldn't be missed! 

 

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also  check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.