Description
The Mercedes-Benz 170 V Cabriolet B was the more spacious and versatile open-top alternative within the 170 V family, positioned between the practical Cabrio-Limousine and the elegant two-seat Cabriolet A. Introduced in 1936, it offered four-seat touring capability with the refinement, reliability and modern engineering that made the 170 V one of Mercedes-Benz’s most important pre-war and post-war models. The Cabriolet B combined genuine open-air motoring with a strong sense of style and comfort, appealing to private owners who wanted an elegant family car or a refined leisure vehicle without stepping into the expensive upper-class Mercedes models.
Power came from the familiar 1.7-litre inline-four engine, producing between 38 and 45 horsepower depending on year and specification. Although modest in output, the engine was known for smoothness, quiet running and exceptional durability. It delivered predictable, flexible power suited to city driving, countryside touring and daily use. Paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, the drivetrain provided steady acceleration, easy cruising and long service life. The Cabriolet B’s extra weight compared with the two-seat Cabriolet A was noticeable, but the engine still performed effectively thanks to its strong low-end torque and efficient gearing.
Beneath the bodywork, the Cabriolet B benefitted from the advanced chassis construction that defined the entire 170 V series. Mercedes used a rigid X-shaped oval-tube frame that offered excellent strength and noise reduction. The suspension system was unusually sophisticated for a small car of the mid-1930s: independent double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs, and a swing-axle coil-spring rear layout. This combination provided a smoother ride and more stable handling than many competitors. Four-wheel mechanical drum brakes supplied dependable stopping power, and the steering, while firm at low speeds, became predictable and comfortable once the car was underway.
The Cabriolet B body offered a harmonious blend of elegance and practicality. It retained the general proportions of the saloon but was transformed by its attractive folding roof, which covered both front and rear seats. When raised, the roof provided good weather protection and preserved the car’s dignified Mercedes appearance. When lowered, it folded neatly toward the rear, giving the car a graceful open-touring profile. The design featured four proper side doors, curved flowing wings, a tall upright radiator grille and a beautifully shaped rear section that complemented the car’s streamlined pre-war styling.
Inside, the Cabriolet B offered one of the most comfortable and well-appointed cabins in the 170 V range. Seating was arranged for four adults, with supportive, well-trimmed seats upholstered in high-quality fabric or optional leather. The front seats were typically separate armchair-style units, while the rear bench provided ample space for passengers. The dashboard featured the same tidy arrangement of instruments found in other 170 V variants, including clear mechanical gauges and finely made switchgear. Wood trim or painted metal surfaces reflected the level of craftsmanship expected of Mercedes-Benz, even in their more affordable models.
On the road, the 170 V Cabriolet B delivered a refined and relaxed driving experience. The independent suspension softened rough surfaces, the rigid frame minimised vibration and the engine offered steady, usable power. The open-top configuration added an element of enjoyment that made the car particularly appealing for scenic touring, weekend drives or warm-weather motoring. Despite being larger and heavier than the Cabriolet A, the Cabriolet B remained easy to handle and comfortable over long distances. Its balance of practicality and elegance made it equally suitable as a daily family car or a leisure vehicle.
Before the war, the Cabriolet B was favoured by private motorists who wanted open-air refinement without sacrificing passenger capacity. After the war, Mercedes-Benz resumed production of some 170 V variants, though Cabriolet B numbers remained limited. Its combination of four-seat practicality, elegant proportions and traditional open-touring appeal made it one of the more desirable personal-use models of the 170 V line.
Today, the Mercedes-Benz 170 V Cabriolet B is appreciated for its charm, rarity and usability. It occupies a unique position within the 170 V family as a refined four-seat touring cabriolet that retains the engineering excellence and distinctive pre-war craftsmanship of the period. Well-preserved examples remain highly collectible, offering an authentic and enjoyable driving experience from one of Mercedes-Benz’s most historically significant eras.