Mercedes-Benz 170 D from 1949, four cylinders, 1698 cc, 38 HP, max. speed 100 km/h. Production: 1949 – 1955
The Mercedes-Benz W136 was Mercedes-Benz’s main line of inline-four cylinder motorcars from the mid-1930s into the 1950s. The model 170 V made its public debut as successor to the W15 Typ 170 in February 1936. Between 1936 and 1939 it was Mercedes’ top selling model.
Between 1936 and 1942 over 75,000 were built making it by far the most popular Mercedes-Benz model up till that point.
Enough of the W136’s tooling survived Allied bombing during World War II (or could be recreated post-war) for it to serve as the foundation upon which the company could rebuild. By 1947 the model 170 V had resumed its place as Mercedes’ top-seller, a position it held until 1953.
The 1.7 litre four cylinder rear wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz 170 V (W136) was introduced in 1936 to replace the 1.7 litre six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz 170 (W15). Despite their similar engine capacities, the new car’s side-valve M136 was more powerful.
The manual transmission was four speed synchromesh (having been upgraded from synchromesh in only the top two ratios in 1940). Claimed maximum power was 38 PS (28 kW; 37 hp) at 3,400 RPM at an initial compression ratio of 6:1.
Mileage was 10 litres per 100 kilometres (28 mpg‑imp; 24 mpg‑US). The engine was attached using just two mountings and set the standard for smoothness for four-cylinder motors.
The Marc Vidal Automobile Museum and its collection
