Introduced in 1931, the 170 formed the mainstay of Mercedes-Benz production in the difficult Depression years of the mid-1930s.

Although outwardly of conservative appearance, the Hans Nibel-designed 170 featured all-independent suspension that set new standards of ride comfort and safety; it was also competitively priced for a six-cylinder car and suited the prevailing market conditions, being compact and economical yet constructed to Mercedes-Benz's traditionally high standard.

The 1,692cc, side-valve engine drove via a three-speed manual gearbox equipped with an overdrive economy gear.

So successful was Nibel's original concept that the 170 changed little until it was replaced in 1936 by the four-cylinder 170V.

A landmark model for the Stuttgart-based manufacturer, the 1.7-litre 170V formed the mainstay of Mercedes-Benz production in the immediate post-war years.

Running gear was state-of-the-art at the time, comprising an oval-tube backbone-type chassis, swing-axle independent ...