Lot 233 - 1953 Mercedes-Benz 170Sb

The 170Sb was produced first in January 1952 ending in 1953. It had its own chassis designation W191, and was only built as a petrol engined car. Its distinguishing features were that the gearshift moved from the floor to the steering column and a starter button was added to the dashboard for ease of use. The gear ratio was also shortened to allow better acceleration, the rear window was enlarged, camshaft in engine now driven by a duplex roller chain rather than spur gears, and the track width of the rear axle was enlarged and fitted with hypoid gearing. Only 8,080 saloons were ever produced and around 400 were RHD which necessitated a longer period of manufacture than left hand drive due to the necessity of handwork. Overall, the 1953 Mercedes-Benz 170Sb was a well-engineered and stylish mid-size luxury car that was popular with buyers at the time and is still appreciated by enthusiasts today.

This vehicle was completed on 13th August 1953 and dispatched as a right hand drive export model to Mercedes-Benz London on 14th August 1953. As a right hand model, it’s purported that fewer than 400 were ever made, necessitating a longer manufacturing process due to the hand craftsmanship required. The vehicle was purchased by a gentleman in Scotland for a chauffeur business, and there it resided until last year. The DVLA records two owners only including the present owner. The vehicle is unrestored having been in continuous use and comes with original books and keys including spares. The corduroy interior is untouched and in good order and the body paint save a few touches is entirely original. The vehicle is a well-known club car having participated in the 1981 Edinburgh to Stuttgart Rally. The interior of the Mercedes 170Sb appears to be in amazing original condition, with a delightful patina that only comes with age and being 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. Amazingly this 1950’s Mercedes has central locking, which must have been a real wow feature back in the day. There is evidence of some rips and water staining on the door cards and the headliner shows 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 170Sb comes with some books and a very rare owner’s handbook which gives lots of detail on how to maintain the car and this original handbook is very hard to come by. This 1953 Mercedes 170Sb is a remarkable survivor that simply oozes originality and charm. To find a right hand drive petrol example in the UK is very rare but to come across one that is unrestored is even more special.