Title: Sighting: 1948 170V on Ebay USA, Dickson, Tennessee
Post by: JeffreyNmemphis on November 13, 2007, 05:39:58 PM
Hey guys, Saw this one on Ebay. This is only 2 hours away from me... I might go have a look. Does anyone know this car?
Something about the shape of this body design is different than the W136 models... It just does not look as elegant as the 1951 and later models... Does anybody else think so? What is your opinion? I saw a 1942 and it appeared to be the same short, plain look (must be the same chasis/coach?). It just looks like an old car without the grandeur from the profile.
I have my own opinion about desirability.. but how does the general marketplace value pre-war versus post-war body styles?
I hope the pre-war guys don't upset by my comments.. I know you love your baby.
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Title: Re: Sighting: 1948 170V on Ebay USA, Dickson, Tennessee
Post by: John Ellis on November 14, 2007, 12:03:50 AM
The 170V has had essentially the same body and dimensions from 1936 to 1953. There are subtle refinements in window size, hood design, and bumper configuration; but for the most part the exterior of the 170V sedan was unchanged throughout it's production run.
Are you comparing the 170V versus the 170S models by chance (they are both W136 types)? The sighting car you started this thread with is not an accurate depiction of the 170V models. It has lost some of it's detail and charm from painting of the chrome trim on the radiator surround and grille, headlight trim, and bumpers. As you can tell from my avatar, I am proud of the 170V look and stance, but also love the looks and charm of the 170S and 220 models.
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Title: Re: Sighting: 1948 170V on Ebay USA, Dickson, Tennessee
Post by: curator on November 14, 2007, 05:30:52 AM
I think that most newcomers to the 1931-1955 period of MB cars will quickly, with some preliminary investigation, notice the many variants of these models. To me, it is somewhat the complexity of the variety of models that drives my interest and appreciation. Whereas in other models, say the 300 series from 1951 to 1962, where there are basically 4 models....you have to open the hood to see the big feature differences, such as the engine, brake booster, etc....
Many of us have made a transition from 60s models to 50s pontons to 170 type models for various reasons; to some it is the lure of the pre-war body style, the cost of parts versus previous models, the relatively ease of working on them (for instance, work on a ponton engine with the inner wall in place vs work on a 170 where the side panel removes with full access, etc..... time does not fully permit the unique comparisons. One fact remains throughout, IMO, with all MB models 1931 to 1970...... we all see to be drawn to the MB body styles, features, and craftsmanship.
Talk to any MB lover and they seem to be aware of many period models with an appreciation from afar, while others have distinct experiences with many different models in their MB tenure.
In my own case, I first bought a 1950_170V and was drawn to the old world charm. soon thereafter I made a transition to the 170S type for various reasons (mostly the steel type body). Its all a matter of personal preference, which as you know is why we don't all drive the same car, where the same clothes, and live in the same location. The preference variances go on and on.....but still I think we have an appreciation for what others cherrish and the reasons why.
The first thing I noticed about the 170V and 170Va was the addition of an exterior trunk. To me that improved feature alone was enough in itself to make a difference in my own personal desireability. I also quickly noticed the differences between the 170S and Sb with the column shifting, etc.....you can go on and on with the variances for different reasons. and finally, the modernization of 220 headlight buckets in the fenders versus the pre-war look of them peering above the fenders. These period cars have so many variances to offer.....something for everyone for their own personal reasons.....but an equal appreciation for the beauty of all models of this period.
Your observations are the result of a short but necessary preliminary investigation and exposure ..... right on cue and soon you will settle into the model of your choice. This is probably how it is suppose to work......and hopefully others will follow your lead in the future.
