In the aftermath of the Second World War, Daimler-Benz recommenced vehicle production with the pre-war 170V, whose tooling and assembly lines had somehow managed to survive the destruction of Allied raids.

Although the 170V was of typically 1930s appearance, it remained a relatively modern design under the skin, with rigid construction and independent suspension all round (using swing-axles at the rear) providing ride and handling unmatched by any other car in its class.

The engine was a robust side-valve four-cylinder that, with high (all-synchro) gearing, was capable of cruising at autobahn speeds, while a diesel unit was added to the range in 1949 along with a more luxurious model known as the 170S (the S standing for Super).

Designated the W136, the new model used a slightly longer and wider body based on the pre-war 230, giving more interior space, a larger boot and extra chrome trim.

The additional weight resulted in a number of mechanical revisions, including an enlarged 1,...