1936 Mercedes-Benz Typ 170 (W136) Limousine Photos, engines & full specs

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the new Typ 170 V at the 1936 International Motor and Motorcycle Show in Berlin, it offered the vehicle in a few body shapes, and the most important was the sedan version.

After the Great Depression, the German automaker focused on luxury vehicles but didn't forget about those who just wanted the three-pointed star on the car's hood but at a lower price. Thus, it produced a lower-grade vehicle that was still able to prove the owner's status in society. And for them was the Typ 170 built. But for that, Mercedes-Benz needed a completely new vehicle designed from scratch. Dr. Hasn Niebel worked together with the designer Max Wagner on the car. They created an innovative frame that was lighter than the previously used one on the Typ 170 (W15) but offered similar strength.

The 1936 Typ 170 sedan featured a front fascia with a tilted radiator flanked by headlights, which were mounted on the sides of the engine compartment. The curved front fenders were continued on the sides by the steps that eased the ingress and egress to the vehicle. Both doors were hinged onto the B-pillar, and the automaker had to create a system that prevented them from hitting one another when opened simultaneously. At the back, the slightly sloped rear end was fitted with an external rack that could host a trunk case.

Inside, the Typ 170 offered enough room for four passengers. The front bucket seats were covered in high-quality vinyl. The same material was used for the rear bench and the door cards. On the dashboard, the automaker installed the main dials and gauges in the middle, not in front of the driver.

With its 1.7-liter engine, the Typ 170 boasted enough performance to attract customers. Moreover, compared to other cars from that era, it was fuel-efficient, a characteristic that helped Mercedes-Benz to sell the Typ 170 in high numbers.