Rare 1937 Mercedes-Benz 170 V Sport Roadster (w/ startup)

A very rare black and white 1937 Mercedes-Benz 170 V Sport Roadster with red interior starting up and leaving the Motor4Toys Charity Car Show & Toy Drive at Los Angeles Pierce College. Introduced in 1936, the 170 V (W136) is powered by a front-mounted 1.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 38 horsepower and was available in various two-door and four-door body styles. The Roadster features coachbuilt bodywork designed by Hermann Ahrens at Sindelfingen with a folding windshield and hidden soft top storage. This right-hand drive example is one of 271 170 V Sport Roadsters built, 12 of which still exist. It was originally built for export to Britain and still retains largely original paint, interior, and mechanicals.

It's unfortunate that there aren't a lot of pre-war German cars being driven here in the States, and I think it's especially unfortunate for Mercedes-Benz models, since some of them are absolutely gorgeous. I don't know how rare cars like this 170 V Roadster are in other parts of the world, but this was my first time ever encountering one. It certainly stands out with its open configuration and sensual bodywork. And the folding windshield is a neat party trick too in the event that you want even more wind in your face than a typical convertible offers. Who says the Germans didn't know how to have a little fun?

Would you add this rare classic Mercedes-Benz to your garage? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!