Debuting in May 1949, the W136 Mercedes-Benz 170 S was the first postwar revision of Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling 170 V. The 170 S was fitted with an enlarged 1,767 cc version of the M136 four-cylinder engine and featured sleek lines, a longer wheelbase, improved front suspension, and a more luxurious cabin than its predecessor.

The 170 S line consisted of a saloon, a four-seat Cabriolet B, and the two-plus-two Cabriolet A, which highlighted the range. A majority of these early postwar Mercedes-Benz cars featured saloon coachwork, while 2,433 were built in Cabriolet A and Cabriolet B specification between 1949 and 1952.

This 1951 Mercedes-Benz 170 S wears the very attractive and desirable Cabriolet A body style, one of just 830 examples ever built. This example is finished in the classic Mercedes-Benz shade of Feuerrot (Fire Red, DB 534) with matching painted steel wheels and wheel covers that are correct for the car while being trimmed with a tan canvas top and tan leather interior.

Although little is known about this car’s early history, it was part of the famous Mercedes-Benz collection of the late Fred Kemp of St. Louis, Missouri, for a period of time. Benefiting from a restoration at some point in its life, this attractive 170 S is a fine example of the brand’s postwar return to building high-quality, yet attainable, luxury cars.