Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 156
1951 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet A Coachwork by Sindelfingen Chassis no. 136.042-05867/51 Engine no. 4508623
Estimate: US$175,000 - US$225,000
Lot 156
1951 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet A
1951 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet A
Coachwork by Sindelfingen
Chassis no. 136.042-05867/51
Engine no. 4508623
Coachwork by Sindelfingen
Chassis no. 136.042-05867/51
Engine no. 4508623
1,767cc Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Solex Carburetor
52bhp at 4,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Independent Rear with Swing Axles
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Rare and exclusive soft-top example
*One of approximately 708 Cabriolet's built in 1951
*Beautiful and comprehensive restoration
*Complete with fitted luggage set
*Landmark post-war Mercedes-Benz model
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 170
The W191 chassis model turned out to be a landmark model for the Stuttgart-based manufacturer, the four-cylinder, 1.7-liter 170V was introduced in 1936 and formed the mainstay of Mercedes-Benz production in the immediate post-war years. Running gear was state-of-the-art at the time, comprising an oval-tube backbone-type chassis, swing-axle independent rear suspension, transverse-leaf independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes.
When the model reappeared post-war, with production at first concentrated almost exclusively on commercial variants. In May 1949 an improved version – the 170S – was introduced, which came with a 1,767cc engine equipped with an aluminum-alloy cylinder head and producing 52bhp, a 37% improvement over the 170V. A brace of soft-tops - Cabriolet A coupé and Cabriolet B saloon - completed the 170S line-up, which remained in production in improved form until 1955.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Dubbed as the "Original S-Class" the Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet that we offer is one of only 2,433 of these stylish soft-tops built between 1949 and 1952. This fantastic 1951 170S Cabriolet comes from the final year of production, one of the few models built that year in the desirable Cab A 2-seater layout from its coachbuilder, Sindelfingen. Copies of the original build sheet reveal this vehicle was ordered in July 1951. When completed, it was sent from the coachbuilder to Zurich, Switzerland. The Swiss import documents from 1952 show that this car was delivered to Herr Ernst Benz. Shortly thereafter, this Mercedes was purchased by an American army officer, where it then made way for its voyage to the United States. Around the mid-1960's it was purchased by Richard Carlson of Coatsville, Pennsylvania who would later be the caretaker of this vehicle for the next 20 years. Eventually, the car would change hands with its most notorious owner, Mr. Walter Progner of Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania.
During Mr. Progner's lengthy ownership, he embarked on a long-term restoration of this remarkable Mercedes to give it new life and be appealing for years to come. These vehicles are not considered easy restorations, so plenty of time and effort was given to ensure a correct and detailed restoration was performed. Because of the restoration difficulty and cost to perform, it is a rare occurrence to see examples, such as this, come to market. Because of the high passion and enthusiasm Mr. Progner had for his project, he enlisted the services of skilled Mercedes restorer, Gerhardt Reinhard, who ran a specialty shop in Pennsylvania specializing in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Because Mr. Reinhard was a former employee of Sindelfingen Werk during the time this vehicle was assembled, this made him likely the most qualified man to handle the rigorous restoration. During this time, the body and interior were restored over a several year period by Barry Stalnecker of Pennsylvania, while the complex brightwork was handled by Martin's of Philadelphia.
After years of restoration work, the results were highly regarded. The paint was expertly applied to the original shade of DB 513 Maroon, finishing the car in a beautifully executed coat, which still presents fantastic today. This complex restoration including removing the body from the chassis for extensive work to ensure the lines and alignment on all the surfaces were properly assembled and fitted for clean and tight fitment. The rear-hinged suicide doors were fitted excellent, and show a very tight, factory-like fit. The chrome trim was installed with skill and shows excellent fit and finish. Because this is a late production model, the taillights were flush mounted as opposed to the earlier offerings.
The interior of this 170S is likely the crown jewel of the entire restoration, this cockpit is adorned with the finest fit and finish of many other brands of its era. The quality speaks for itself, the wood grain was completed in the utmost excellence. The interior was refinished to the closest iteration of the original build specification. After years of being rebuilt, this Mercedes was ready to be shown. This 170S was shown many times including at the AACA Eastern Fall Meet in Hershey, where it won an award in 2009 then again in 2012. This Mercedes also was displayed at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours. With the enthusiasm and effort from its previous owner, this 170S Cab A is one of the finest available. The extensive history file that accompanies the car is an impressive feat of its own. Surely a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of Mercedes' greatest hand-built collector cars from one of the most influential coachbuilders in history.
Single Solex Carburetor
52bhp at 4,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Independent Rear with Swing Axles
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Rare and exclusive soft-top example
*One of approximately 708 Cabriolet's built in 1951
*Beautiful and comprehensive restoration
*Complete with fitted luggage set
*Landmark post-war Mercedes-Benz model
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 170
The W191 chassis model turned out to be a landmark model for the Stuttgart-based manufacturer, the four-cylinder, 1.7-liter 170V was introduced in 1936 and formed the mainstay of Mercedes-Benz production in the immediate post-war years. Running gear was state-of-the-art at the time, comprising an oval-tube backbone-type chassis, swing-axle independent rear suspension, transverse-leaf independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes.
When the model reappeared post-war, with production at first concentrated almost exclusively on commercial variants. In May 1949 an improved version – the 170S – was introduced, which came with a 1,767cc engine equipped with an aluminum-alloy cylinder head and producing 52bhp, a 37% improvement over the 170V. A brace of soft-tops - Cabriolet A coupé and Cabriolet B saloon - completed the 170S line-up, which remained in production in improved form until 1955.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Dubbed as the "Original S-Class" the Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet that we offer is one of only 2,433 of these stylish soft-tops built between 1949 and 1952. This fantastic 1951 170S Cabriolet comes from the final year of production, one of the few models built that year in the desirable Cab A 2-seater layout from its coachbuilder, Sindelfingen. Copies of the original build sheet reveal this vehicle was ordered in July 1951. When completed, it was sent from the coachbuilder to Zurich, Switzerland. The Swiss import documents from 1952 show that this car was delivered to Herr Ernst Benz. Shortly thereafter, this Mercedes was purchased by an American army officer, where it then made way for its voyage to the United States. Around the mid-1960's it was purchased by Richard Carlson of Coatsville, Pennsylvania who would later be the caretaker of this vehicle for the next 20 years. Eventually, the car would change hands with its most notorious owner, Mr. Walter Progner of Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania.
During Mr. Progner's lengthy ownership, he embarked on a long-term restoration of this remarkable Mercedes to give it new life and be appealing for years to come. These vehicles are not considered easy restorations, so plenty of time and effort was given to ensure a correct and detailed restoration was performed. Because of the restoration difficulty and cost to perform, it is a rare occurrence to see examples, such as this, come to market. Because of the high passion and enthusiasm Mr. Progner had for his project, he enlisted the services of skilled Mercedes restorer, Gerhardt Reinhard, who ran a specialty shop in Pennsylvania specializing in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Because Mr. Reinhard was a former employee of Sindelfingen Werk during the time this vehicle was assembled, this made him likely the most qualified man to handle the rigorous restoration. During this time, the body and interior were restored over a several year period by Barry Stalnecker of Pennsylvania, while the complex brightwork was handled by Martin's of Philadelphia.
After years of restoration work, the results were highly regarded. The paint was expertly applied to the original shade of DB 513 Maroon, finishing the car in a beautifully executed coat, which still presents fantastic today. This complex restoration including removing the body from the chassis for extensive work to ensure the lines and alignment on all the surfaces were properly assembled and fitted for clean and tight fitment. The rear-hinged suicide doors were fitted excellent, and show a very tight, factory-like fit. The chrome trim was installed with skill and shows excellent fit and finish. Because this is a late production model, the taillights were flush mounted as opposed to the earlier offerings.
The interior of this 170S is likely the crown jewel of the entire restoration, this cockpit is adorned with the finest fit and finish of many other brands of its era. The quality speaks for itself, the wood grain was completed in the utmost excellence. The interior was refinished to the closest iteration of the original build specification. After years of being rebuilt, this Mercedes was ready to be shown. This 170S was shown many times including at the AACA Eastern Fall Meet in Hershey, where it won an award in 2009 then again in 2012. This Mercedes also was displayed at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours. With the enthusiasm and effort from its previous owner, this 170S Cab A is one of the finest available. The extensive history file that accompanies the car is an impressive feat of its own. Surely a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of Mercedes' greatest hand-built collector cars from one of the most influential coachbuilders in history.
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