At its launch in March 1936, the 170 V was available in a wealth of body variants scarcely imaginable today. The range comprised: two- or four-door saloon, convertible saloon, two-door open tourer, Convertible B and two-seater roadster. Development of the 170 V, which had been given the in-house code W 136, had begun as early as 1933 under the direction of chief design engineer Dr Hans Nibel and designer Max Wagner. The aim was to develop a mid-sized car that was lower-priced and even more ground breaking than the six-cylinder 170 (W 15) had been at its launch in 1931.

The "V" in the model designation indicated that the engine was at the front. Used for the first time in the nomenclature system, this identification letter was necessary in order to distinguish the new 1.7‑litre model not only from its predecessor, the 170, but also from its rear-engined counterpart, the 170 H.

The engine M 136 had been developed from the 1.3‑litre unit. Delivering 38 hp with its standing valves and updraft carburettor, this was not exactly a sporty engine. Nevertheless, it proved its worth as a reliable everyday engine that was praised at the time for its refinement.

As far as Daimler-Benz was concerned, the 170 V was by far its most important pre-war passenger car model, securing the Mercedes-Benz brand a top position in the mid-size segment.

This fully restored Mercedes 170V Cabriolet B from 1941 was found in Russia. In 2001 it was imported to the Netherlands as a project. In 2007 it was bought by the owner who started a complete restauration. In 2016 it was finished and got a Dutch registration. With the car are a lot of documents and photos of the restauration, original Russian tittle and even a Russian newspaper from 1960 which was found in the car.

This B Cabriolet has been lovingly restored. Lifting the bonnet not only reveals a clean engine bay, but also tools and jacking equipment. Fog lamps are mounted and the working trafficators are a nice detail. The rear of the body is highlighted by a proper metal-covered spare.