The term “dry stored” usually brings ideas of solid, low rust projects. Unfortunately this Mercedes was found in a barn before being stored those 22 years in dry storage. There is rust, and other concerns, but these older Mercedes are not that common. Someone with a big heart and a lot of money could save this one, or perhaps this classic could be repurposed for something else? Offered at $6,000, you can find this Mercedes here on craigslist out of Springville, Alabama. Thanks to reader MikeK for the submission!
Although having been “dry” this 1.7 liter 4 cylinder is quite oily. Appearing complete, but not currently running, there is no indication to the condition of this engine. Depending on your plan of attack for this project, the drivetrain may be a worthy “core” to someone else in need. Or if you took on restoring, or even converting this Mercedes into a “rat” as the seller suggested, the engine could be used once more.
Inside of this old German is a simple and not too rough of condition interior. The most obvious issue is the badly cracked windshield, although it appears to be flat glass. The stitching on the front seat has perished, and the seat fabric is loose and folded back. The passenger seat and back seat look nice, but I would imagine a not so careful sit may damage them. Rust seems to be the biggest issue with this car, as the seller claims there is “lots of” it. Plywood looks to have been used to bypass the Fred Flintstone braking system on the passenger side. Although rust is of concern for this Mercedes, little information is given or shown of the plentiful oxidation.
Rather a sleek looking machine, this one doesn’t appear too bad off from the photos. There is certainly surface rust, but there isn’t much rot to see. The bottom of the passenger rear door appears to be cut out, but beyond that, I would assume this car is eaten up badly from the underside. Looking past the cut out door section, the body seems quite straight. The seller claims the car to be 100% complete, and for the most part, that seems to be true. I am sure there may be some missing knick knacks, and doo dads, but overall this Mercedes may be a worthwhile parts car, restoration, or rat. If you had the funds, what would you do with this classic Mercedes?
HO-gan!!! Dis-missed!!
Looks like the prototype German 1933 Ford 19 years to late and with a few extra 33 Ford hood louvers and a newer style potter trunk Certainly the slot in the door is not for air mail
Deja vu.
This must be a very popular car. It hasn’t been a month since Jeff wrote it up.
http://barnfinds.com/22-years-stored-1952-mercedes-170va/
Cool car, glad it’s getting so much attention. Shall we have a vote and see who’s writeup we like best?
bring back thumbs down,lol
There’s that surfboard again.
The one that leaves your boardshorts with crisp pleats and the strength of starch?
Don’t you guys talk to each other?
Didn’t Credence Clearwater Revival have a shot of them sitting around one of these on the back of one of their albums?
Courtesy of the army, I lived in Germany for 4 years in the late 60s. You could buy these for $100 in relatively good condition, and GIs bought lots of them. Many were cheap because they couldn’t pass German inspection because of rust. US military could drive them but Germans couldn’t. I’m sure this car was brought back by a GI who finally surrendered to the tin worms. That salt causes rust everywhere–parts car.
Reminds me of a beautiful little 150 cabriolet I bought from it’s German owner back in 1963 when I was in the U S Army in
Germany. I never drove it, and sold it back to it’s owner because
it cost more than I could afford to have it shipped back stateside
when my tour was up ,two months later.
Sure wish I had it now! I think it was a ’50 or ’51