1951 Mercedes-Benz 170 Da

Overview

• Production Period: 1950–1952

• Model Designation: 170 Da, internally coded as W136 VI D

• Type: Sedan, chassis for special-purpose bodies, ambulance, and delivery van variants

• Significance: The 170 Da was an evolution of the 170 D, introduced in 1949, and played a key role in making diesel passenger cars socially acceptable. It was economical, reliable, and well-suited for the resource-scarce post-war era, particularly due to the availability of diesel fuel compared to gasoline.

Technical Specifications:

• Engine:

• Type: OM 636 VI, 4-cylinder inline diesel with indirect injection (Vorkammereinspritzung)

• Displacement: 1,767 cc (1.8 liters, tax classification 1,755 cc)

• Bore x Stroke: 75 x 100 mm

• Compression Ratio: 19:1

• Power Output: 40 hp (29 kW) at 3,200 rpm

• Torque: 10.3 mkg (101 Nm) at 2,000 rpm

• Fuel System: Bosch 4-plunger injection pump

• Valve Arrangement: 1 intake, 1 exhaust (overhead), driven by a lateral camshaft via spur gears

• Note: The engine was an enlarged version of the 1.7-liter M136, upgraded in May 1950 for improved performance.

• Transmission:

• Manual, 4-speed, column-mounted gear lever

• Chassis and Suspension:

• Chassis: Oval-tube frame (W136 platform)

• Front Suspension: Independent with double wishbones and coil springs

• Rear Suspension: Swing axle with coil springs

• Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes, strengthened in 1950

• Shock Absorbers: Telescopic, added in 1950 for improved safety

• Dimensions and Weight:

• Length: Approximately 4,285 mm (sedan)

• Width: 1,584 mm

• Rear Track: Widened in 1950 for better stability

• Weight: Varies by body type (sedan ~1,200–1,300 kg)

• Performance:

• Top Speed: ~100 km/h (62 mph)

• Acceleration: Modest, prioritized economy over speed

• Fuel Consumption: Notably low for the era, a key selling point due to diesel efficiency

• Body Styles and Variants

• Sedan: The primary configuration, a four-door saloon with improved comfort features like larger seats and a wider cabin (50 mm wider than earlier models).

• Special-Purpose Chassis: Available for coachbuilders, used for:

• Ambulances: Built by Lueg in Bochum, officially sold by Daimler-Benz from December 1950.

• Box-Type Delivery Vans: Produced from 1951–1953, including Sindelfingen-bodied versions.

• Pick-Up Waterfalls: Platform trucks and estate cars, often locally assembled (e.g., South Africa’s Morewear Industries for pick-ups).

• 170 D OTP (Offener Tourenwagen Polizei): A rare four-door cabriolet for police use (1951–1952), with a lightweight folding roof and detachable side windows. Approximately 530 units were built for the German Federal Border Police, mostly painted blue despite a “Police Green” requirement. Featured an externally accessible trunk, a first for the 170 series.

• Pick-Up (South Africa): Chassis cabs were exported as semi-knocked-down (SKD) units to South Africa, where Morewear Industries in Germiston fitted load boxes for use as commercial vehicles. These “half-cars” were popular among businessmen and farmers.

Historical Context and Impact:

• Post-War Role: Introduced at the 1949 Technical Export Fair in Hanover, the 170 Da was part of Daimler-Benz’s post-war recovery. The diesel engine’s fuel efficiency and reliability made it a hit, especially as gasoline was scarce. It was widely used as a taxi and for commercial purposes.

• Diesel Pioneer: The 170 Da built on the legacy of the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 260 D, making diesel passenger cars mainstream. Its success laid the groundwork for Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in diesel technology. By 1953, 33,823 diesel 170 D variants were sold.

• Production Numbers: In 1949, Daimler-Benz produced 17,164 units (170 V, 170 D, 170 S combined), rising to 33,906 in 1950 and 38,350 in 1951, with the 170 D and Da being major contributors.

• Market Positioning: Priced at 9,850 DM for the sedan, it competed with luxury models like the Opel Kapitän, appealing to business owners and professionals.

• Legacy: The 170 Da’s rugged design and diesel efficiency made it a symbol of resilience. Its platform (W136) was Mercedes-Benz’s top seller until the 1953 introduction of the modern “Ponton” 180 (W120), which rendered the 170 series outdated.

Collectability and Modern Appeal

• Rarity: Variants like the OTP and South African pick-ups are particularly rare and sought after by collectors, especially in markets like South Africa.

• Restoration Notes: Restored examples, like a 170 D OTP in the U.S., feature period-correct details (e.g., white-wall tires, vintage Mercedes-Benz hubcaps). Modern upgrades, such as additional gauges for oil pressure and water temperature, are common for reliability.

Market Value: Prices for 1951 170 Da models vary:

• Sedan: ~€47,890–109,000 (condition-dependent)

• Special variants (e.g., OTP, pick-up): Higher due to rarity

• Example: A 1951 170 S (petrol) sold for €139,000.

Cultural Significance:

The 170 Da is celebrated for its role in Mercedes-Benz’s post-war revival and its engineering simplicity, offering a tactile, vintage driving experience with the distinctive diesel clatter.

Sources

• Information compiled from automotive history archives, including Mercedes-Benz’s public archive and enthusiast resources.

• Note: Some specifications (e.g., exact weight, fuel consumption) vary slightly across sources due to limited historical data and body type differences.