Lot 170 1951 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet

• Owned by MI6 in Berlin in the early 1950’s
• Restored by Ken Foat to concours standard

The Mercedes-Benz W136 was one of a range of inline four-cylinder cars from the mid-1930s into the 1950s. The model 170V made its public debut as successor to the W15 Type 170 in February 1936 and between 1936 and 1939 it was Mercedes-Benz top selling model. During the war the plant suffered very severe bomb damage, the manufacturer nevertheless emerged from the trauma with a significant competitive advantage over many of its pre-war competitors. Enough of the W136's tooling survived the bombing during World War II (or could be recreated post-war) for it to serve as the foundation upon which the company could rebuild. By 1947 the model 170V had resumed its place as Mercedes-Benz top-seller, a position it held until 1953. Lacking a luxury car in its line-up, Mercedes-Benz sought to regain a niche in that market by introducing the upscale 170S version of the 170V in 1949. It was more luxurious, costlier and, when launched, slightly larger than the 170V, distinctions the company made an effort to emphasize. Although sometimes referred to today as the first S-Class Mercedes-Benz, that designation did not yet exist. For a brief period of time, it was also offered as a Convertible A and B, these were almost entirely hand assembled dream cars. Only 1,603 cars of the four-seater Convertible B were made which has turned it into a very sought-after old-timer.

The car offered here was used by the MI6 in Berlin during one of the most interesting periods of the Cold War in the 1950’s. Imported to the UK in the late 50’s, and after lying in decay for decades it was purchased by Kenneth Foat who then restored it to a concours standard. The car has since won several awards, been on display at Mercedes-Benz World and featured in the Mercedes history movie. This award-winning Mercedes-Benz is presented in two-tone blue with light grey leather interior. Its black hood is in superb condition and folds back as it should, all wood is in excellent condition and the whole car remains in award winning condition. Aside from its condition, this absolute gem has as fascinating history! It was owned originally by MI6 in 1956 and used by the then MI6 agent, Howard Greville, his neighbour in Berlin at the time was none other than the infamous George Blake, the Soviet double agent/spy during the height of the Cold War period. There is no doubt George knew the Mercedes well, considering he and Howard worked together and lived at the same address, so it’s highly likely George sometimes took a ride with Howard to the MI6 headquarters at the Olympic Games stadium. The incredible and fascinating history together with the car’s superb condition, must surely make this one of the most desirable examples of this model to come to the market in years. This car was also displayed to the public at Mercedes-Benz World in Brooklands between 2008-2013. Consigned by Will Penrose

• OWNED BY MI6 IN BERLIN IN THE EARLY 1950’S
• RESTORED BY KEN FOAT TO CONCOURS STANDARD