Mercedes-Benz 170H

Mercedes-Benz 170H was a compact car produced by Daimler AG from 1936 to 1939, designed by the renowned Ferdinand Porsche. The 170H was part of the Mercedes-Benz 170 series, which included the Mercedes-Benz 170V, and was known for its innovative Rear-engine design. The car was manufactured in Stuttgart, Germany, and was popular among European car enthusiasts, including those in France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The 170H was also showcased at the Berlin Motor Show and the Paris Motor Show, where it gained significant attention from Automotive industry experts, such as Henry Ford and Enzo Ferrari.

Introduction

The Mercedes-Benz 170H was introduced in 1936, during a time of significant growth and innovation in the Automotive industry, with companies like Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Fiat dominating the market. The 170H was designed to be a compact, fuel-efficient car, with a Flat-twin engine and a Manual transmission. The car was popular among Middle class families in Europe, particularly in Germany, France, and Italy, where it was seen as a symbol of Luxury and Status symbol. The 170H was also compared to other cars of its time, such as the Volkswagen Beetle, the Citroen 2CV, and the Fiat 500, in terms of its design, performance, and affordability.

Design and Development

The Mercedes-Benz 170H was designed by Ferdinand Porsche, who is also credited with designing the Volkswagen Beetle and the Porsche 356. The 170H had a unique Rear-engine design, which was innovative for its time, and was influenced by the designs of other cars, such as the Tatra 87 and the Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout used in the Porsche 911. The car's Body style was available in Sedan and Cabriolet versions, and was designed to be aerodynamic, with a Drag coefficient similar to that of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. The 170H was also influenced by the designs of other European cars, such as the Alfa Romeo 8C, the Bugatti Type 57, and the Jaguar SS100.

Technical Specifications

The Mercedes-Benz 170H had a Flat-twin engine with a displacement of 1.7 liters, and produced 38 horsepower. The car had a Manual transmission with four forward gears, and a top speed of approximately 110 km/h. The 170H had a Rear-wheel drive layout, and was equipped with Drum brakes on all four wheels. The car's Suspension (vehicle) was designed to be comfortable, with a Independent suspension system similar to that used in the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. The 170H was also compared to other cars of its time, such as the Austin 7, the Morris Minor, and the Wolseley Hornet, in terms of its technical specifications and performance.

Production and Sales

The Mercedes-Benz 170H was produced from 1936 to 1939, with a total production run of approximately 15,000 units. The car was sold in Europe, particularly in Germany, France, and Italy, where it was popular among Middle class families. The 170H was also exported to other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa, where it was sold through Daimler AG's network of Dealerships. The car was priced competitively, with a base price similar to that of the Volkswagen Beetle and the Fiat 500. The 170H was also marketed through various Advertising campaigns, including print ads in Automotive magazines and Newspapers, such as Autocar and The Times.

Legacy and Impact

The Mercedes-Benz 170H had a significant impact on the Automotive industry, particularly in Europe, where it influenced the design of other compact cars, such as the Volkswagen Beetle and the Fiat 500. The 170H's innovative Rear-engine design was also influential, and was later used in other cars, such as the Porsche 911 and the Volkswagen Type 2. The 170H is also remembered as a symbol of Luxury and Status symbol in Europe during the 1930s, and is still collected and admired by Car enthusiasts today, including those in Classic car clubs, such as the Mercedes-Benz Club and the Porsche Club. The 170H has also been featured in various Museums, including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum, where it is showcased alongside other historic cars, such as the Mercedes-Benz 300SL and the Porsche 356.

Category:Mercedes-Benz vehicles