Highlights

Rare pick-up variant of the desirable 170D
Manufactured at the first Mercedes-Benz plant outside of Germany
Recently restored engine
Located in Principality of Andorra

The Appeal

In 1951, Mercedes-Benz opened their first foreign plant - in Argentina. It was almost immediately focused on the commercial and industrial application of the legendary marque, and one of its earliest successes took the form of the 170D pickup. Almost entirely unchanged from the W136 it was based on, these small commercials balanced a classy passenger-centric front with a small but versatile goods bay. It was far from a heavy loader, but in post-war Europe, it was just the ticket.

This fine example was restored circa 2004 in Chile, and has seen little use since. It's a very distinctive classic that's garnered some patina over the past twenty years, but has lost none of its quintessential post-war character. A solid, and we're told, mechanically superb example - and a rather rare curiosity to boot.

History and Paperwork

Built in the first foreign Mercedes-Benz plant in González Catán, Argentina
Registered in 1953
Restored approximately 20 years ago in Chile
Located in Madrid, Spain
53,000km on the odometer, likely not to be original mileage
Recently tuned up

The Condition

Highly presented with a lovely post-war character of sweeping arches and ample chromework
Paintwork has good shine but has garnered a level of patina
Wooden bed is in very good condition, though could use a little attention
Chassis fully restored and reinforced, with only gentle patina setting in since
Some corrosion remains on the floors, which could use some work to restore
Interior features non-original seats
However, everything else is loaded with character
Instruments are clear and legible, though the clock is missing its handles
Headliner is coming away in some areas, showing some corrosion underneath

The Mechanics

1.7-Litre four-cylinder powerplant
Gearbox shifts smoothly
Engine bay looks in good overall order, with some patina
The vendor informs us that it runs well following a recent tune-up
They further report that it starts easily in both cold and hot conditions
We've no reports of any mechanical issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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