Considered by many to be the precursor to the famed Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineage, the 170 S was longer, wider, and better equipped than the Stuttgart marque’s best-selling 170 V of the day. A 52-horsepower output was achieved from an enlarged 1,767-cc version of the V’s M136 four-cylinder engine and was delivered via a four-speed manual transmission, which featured synchromesh on all forward gears.

While the vast majority of these early post-war Mercedes-Benz were completed wearing saloon coachwork, between 1949 and 1952 some 2,433 convertibles were built. Compared to the four-seater Cabriolet B offering, a mere 830 examples of the more attractive Cabriolet A model were produced.

Among that small pool, the Cabriolet A—distinguished by its two-seater layout and corresponding two side windows—offered here is attractively finished with two-tone black-and-white paintwork over a retrimmed red leather interior. Although its complete ownership history is not fully known at present, chassis number 136.042.11534 has most recently resided alongside other prominent Mercedes-Benzes as part of The Willy Michiels Collection in Belgium.

The car is offered with three pieces of fitted luggage, a jack, further to a wheel nut spanner.

Please note, most of the vehicles in The Willy Michiels Collection have been retained on static display for many years. As such, some cars and motorcycles will require mechanical servicing to be made roadworthy. As part of this estate sale, the vehicles are offered in their condition as found, and wherever possible RM Sotheby's encourages prospective buyers to inspect any lots prior to bidding. Please contact an RM Sotheby's Car Specialist for the condition of specific lots or with any further questions.