MERCEDES BENZ Typ 170 (W15) 1931-1936 Photos, engines & full specs

In the early 30s, the world struggled with the Great Depression that crumbled companies and individuals, and Mercedes-Benz found a clever solution to thrive: a popular vehicle.

While the luxurious vehicles were no longer in such great demand, the German carmaker decided to introduce the Typ 170 (W15) in the summer of 1931. It was a practical vehicle, without sumptuous amenities, but with advanced technical solutions for those times. Things like independent rear suspension with a swing axle and hydraulic brakes were already known by carmakers. Still, they were usually installed on much more expensive vehicles. And yet, the W15 offered these on a vehicle priced lower than what Mercedes-Benz vehicles used to sell for.

Mercedes-Benz didn't invest too much in the exterior design. It offered the Typ 170 with a simple bodywork that featured shorter, curved front fenders that flanked the tall engine compartment. The flat radiator was surrounded by a chromed trim and, obviously, had the three-pointed-star badge placed on top. The headlights mounted between the fenders, on a slightly upward curved horizontal bar, were already a design signature for Mercedes-Benz and, therefore, used on this car. The four-door sedan featured rear-hinged back doors that facilitated the ingress and egress from the vehicle.

Unlike other vehicles from the carmaker's lineup, the W15 featured an external trunk located behind the vehicle and supporting the spare wheel that couldn't fit on the sides of the engine compartment. Even though it was rather a basic model, the interior was fitted with good quality materials such as leather and wood trims without any flashy design cues.

Under the hood, Mercedes-Benz installed a six-mill engine, although it was a small-displacement unit.