The Mercedes 170 was the German marques luxury 4 door saloon that was launched in 1949. It was based around the previous W136 series and debuted with a 1697cc four cylinder engine which produced 38 BHP. Performance wasn’t the new models strong point which lead to the development of the 170S. The side valve engines size was increased to 1767cc, which increased power output to 52 BHP. The example on sale with Car and Classic is a rare RHD Mercedes 170 S that is original and unrestored.

This 1953 Mercedes 170S was imported new from Germany to Scotland and was registered on the 28th September of the same year. It was ordered by Appleyards in Edinburgh who would go on to become a Mercedes dealership. It has had two owners from new, the first being the chauffeur to the current owner, who used to run a chauffeur hire business. He acquired the car from his chauffeur in the late 1970s and he has owned the 170S ever since. One of his biggest adventures in the luxury saloon was in 1981 when he drove it from Scotland to Stuttgart and back again for the Mercedes Club UK rally. The plaque for this event is still fitted to the front of the car.

The car comes with a V5C, numerous expired MOT certificates and invoices for past works. The seller notes that the 170S comes with some books and a very rare owners handbook which gives lots of detail on how to maintain the car. He states that this original handbook is very hard to come by.

The interior of the the Mercedes 170S appears to be in amazing original condition, with a delightful patina that only comes with age. The seller states that it is all original and unrestored.

The Grey Cord cloth seats and door cards contrast very nicely with the black exterior. As the car is 69 years old and unrestored, there is wear and tear to the interior which is to be expected. There is evidence of some rips and water staining to the door cards and the headliner is showing its age around the edges with some holes and tears. However the rest of the interior has that wonderful patina you can only get with an unrestored car. Even the rubber floor liner appears to be in good shape.

The seller states that the gauges work, as does the large dashboard clock. He notes that the radio does turn on and light up but he isn’t sure if it works. He adds that the heater doesn’t work. To the left of the heater is what looks like a gear level, which is actually the cars cut off mechanism, which basically turns the car off and on.

Amazingly this 1950’s Mercedes has central locking, which must have been a real wow feature back in the day. This too works well according to the seller.

This Mercedes 170S is painted in traditional Black and is a colour which really suits the attractive curves of the car. The paint is original according to the seller and as a result there are blemishes to be found on the body work. Of note is some cracking and crazing evident on the front left wing. The exterior has held up remarkably well however with a nice shine evident in the photos, which just adds to the cars charm. 

Most importantly all the chrome is present and intact with the large chrome grill and Mercedes star dominating the front. The chrome hubcaps are also present. The seller states that the bumpers could do with rechroming as could the radio mast. However the exterior trims aged appearance adds to the cars originality.

This 170S is powered by the 1.7 litre four cylinder engine which boasted 52 BHP and is fitted to a 4 speed column change gearbox. The seller says the car drives very well and was last serviced 2 years ago. It has not had much use since but has been started and taken for occasional runs to keep everything moving.

This example has the automatic chassis lubrication system which the seller says still works and adds that it has a slight leak. He goes on to say that the tubular chassis is very good underneath. The car has also benefited from new brakes all round. Some of the cars tyres appear to be perished, however a set of 5 new tyres come with the car.

The seller goes on to say that the 170S comes with numerous spares which includes another LHD 170 diesel parts car, which he says has proven to be a valuable source of spares for his main car.

This 1953 Mercedes 170S is a remarkable survivor that simple oozes originality and charm. To find a RHD petrol example in the UK is very rare, but to come across one that is unrestored is even more special. As the saying goes a car is only original once and we hope that the new owner preserves this wonderful Mercedes time capsule.