The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a 1950 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet B to the Ron Sturgeon Collection, underscoring the vehicle's role in Mercedes-Benz's postwar revival and its lasting impact on automotive design and engineering. Unveiled just four years after World War II, the 170S was a pivotal model that signaled the marque's return to prestige and innovation, blending modern mechanical upgrades with timeless styling rooted in pre-war luxury.
The cabriolet variant, available in two- and four-seat formats, features flowing body lines and a generous interior reminiscent of the 1930s Mercedes-Benz 230. Under the hood, the 1,767cc M136 inline-four engine delivers 52 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque, enhanced with a Solex downdraft carburetor and aluminum cylinder head. Paired with a fully synchromesh four-speed manual transmission and a 4.375:1 rear swing axle, the 170S benefits from a sophisticated suspension system, including double wishbones and coil springs with telescopic shock absorbers in the front.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the vehicle's broader significance, stating, "This vehicle represents more than just technical excellence—it symbolizes Mercedes-Benz's rebirth after the war and the enduring value of craftsmanship." The 170S Cabriolet B is now on display alongside over 200 classic vehicles and 3,000 rare toys and collectibles at the museum, which is located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas. Visitors can find more information on the museum's website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This acquisition matters because it preserves a key piece of automotive history that illustrates the resilience and innovation of the postwar era, offering insights into how luxury carmakers adapted and thrived amid global challenges. For enthusiasts and historians, it serves as a tangible connection to a transformative period in design and engineering, while the museum's role in showcasing such artifacts underscores the importance of cultural preservation in understanding technological evolution.
