The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 170H represents an important chapter in the history of automotive design, embodying the quest for an accessible, high-quality, and comfortable "people’s car." This model was part of Daimler Benz's efforts to create a mass-market vehicle, a concept that many manufacturers were pursuing during the 1930s.
The 170H evolved from the earlier 130H, which was introduced in 1933. The "H" stands for "Heck," meaning rear, referring to the car's rear-mounted engine. The 130H was Mercedes-Benz’s first attempt at a rear-engine car, but it was small, lacked power, and had poor handling, according to contemporary accounts. It also did not win any beauty contests.
In 1935, Daimler Benz moved on from the 130H and developed a central engine roadster. However, for reasons unknown, production was limited to just five cars, with the only surviving example now displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Germany.
The 170H, introduced as a more refined successor, physically resembled the Volkswagen Type 1 but featured a rear-mounted water-cooled engine known as the Type 170. This engine design persisted after the war in conventional Mercedes cars like the 170V. In 1937, amidst frustrations with Porsche’s prototypes, Hitler directed Daimler Benz AG to produce 30 KDF cars, reinforcing the importance of the 170H in the context of German automotive history.
Our 1937 170H was imported to the United States, equipped with instruments in English units. Unlike the more spartan Volkswagen models, the 170H boasted leather seats, overdrive, and a radio, enhancing its appeal as a comfortable and well-appointed vehicle. The car also featured coil springs instead of the torque-bar suspension found in many contemporaries, improving its ride quality.
The cabriolet limousine body style, with its open top, was fashionable in pre-war Germany and added to the 170H's allure. The combination of advanced engineering, thoughtful design, and accessible comfort made the 170H a noteworthy model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup.
Despite its limited production run of 1,507 units between 1935 and 1939, the Mercedes-Benz 170H remains a significant vehicle, reflecting the innovative spirit and pursuit of quality that defined Mercedes-Benz during this era. Its rear-mounted engine, stylish design, and comfortable features continue to be appreciated by automotive enthusiasts and historians.
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