11th Mar, 2023 13:00
March 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1936 Mercedes-Benz 170V Roadster
In current ownership since 1974, an unrepeatable opportunity
Registration - LHK 659
Chassis No. - 151889
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - TBC
Black and white images by kind permission of the Mercedes-Benz Club Archives.
We understand that this splendid lefthand drive 170V two-seater is one of only 13 dickie-seat versions remaining of the c.250 produced. It is believed to have come off line in 1936 and subsequently brought to the UK by its first keeper, a Baron Von Rautenburg, the then consul of the German embassy in London – it was first UK registered literally nine days before the outbreak of WWII. While much of the history has sadly been lost, there are, as you can see here, some fascinating early images of the car, both at home and abroad, in the hands of what would appear to be the second keeper, an A J Ray Whiteway, who was Chairman of the Mercedes-Benz Club from 1963 to 1970. They even include shots of the car competing in the club’s first ever concours d’elegance, that was held at Gerrards Cross in 1953. Club records suggest it was then owned by a D S D Lenoir before being acquired by the vendor in 1974. He apparently purchased it as a non-runner for £1,000 from Welwyn Garden City and then had it restored in Oxfordshire, during which the colour was changed from white to its current livery of brown over yellow. The black vinyl interior trim is apparently original. We understand the existing engine is, however, a 44bhp post-war unit of 1701cc, that appears to have been installed in the late ‘60s / early ‘70s. Evidently it has only done 200 miles since being thoroughly rebuilt some five years ago, at which time the clutch was inspected but deemed to be in good order, but the brake system also overhauled. Recent maintenance has included the replacement of the water pump, front wheel bearings and tyres, while within the last 200 miles a reconditioned differential has been purchased from Germany and installed by a Bicester-based company. The vendor now considers the powerplant and manual transmission to be in ‘excellent’ order, and the bodywork and paintwork to be in ‘good’ condition, but classes the interior as ‘average’.
The Mercedes-Benz 170V (W136) was the company’s chief four-cylinder offering from 1935 through to 1955. It was available in saloon, cabriolet, roadster, cabrio-limousine and even pickup and van guises. Pre-1950 the range was powered by an engine of 1697cc capacity. Total production of the W136 line numbered some 158,196 units.
In summary:
- A fascinating 170V first UK registered on August 25, 1939
- One of just 13 two-seater dickie seat versions remaining
- Featured in the Mercedes club book ‘Celebrating 60 Years of the Marque, Excellence and Style’
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Estimated at £75,000 - £85,000Registration - LHK 659
Chassis No. - 151889
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - TBC
Black and white images by kind permission of the Mercedes-Benz Club Archives.
We understand that this splendid lefthand drive 170V two-seater is one of only 13 dickie-seat versions remaining of the c.250 produced. It is believed to have come off line in 1936 and subsequently brought to the UK by its first keeper, a Baron Von Rautenburg, the then consul of the German embassy in London – it was first UK registered literally nine days before the outbreak of WWII. While much of the history has sadly been lost, there are, as you can see here, some fascinating early images of the car, both at home and abroad, in the hands of what would appear to be the second keeper, an A J Ray Whiteway, who was Chairman of the Mercedes-Benz Club from 1963 to 1970. They even include shots of the car competing in the club’s first ever concours d’elegance, that was held at Gerrards Cross in 1953. Club records suggest it was then owned by a D S D Lenoir before being acquired by the vendor in 1974. He apparently purchased it as a non-runner for £1,000 from Welwyn Garden City and then had it restored in Oxfordshire, during which the colour was changed from white to its current livery of brown over yellow. The black vinyl interior trim is apparently original. We understand the existing engine is, however, a 44bhp post-war unit of 1701cc, that appears to have been installed in the late ‘60s / early ‘70s. Evidently it has only done 200 miles since being thoroughly rebuilt some five years ago, at which time the clutch was inspected but deemed to be in good order, but the brake system also overhauled. Recent maintenance has included the replacement of the water pump, front wheel bearings and tyres, while within the last 200 miles a reconditioned differential has been purchased from Germany and installed by a Bicester-based company. The vendor now considers the powerplant and manual transmission to be in ‘excellent’ order, and the bodywork and paintwork to be in ‘good’ condition, but classes the interior as ‘average’.
The Mercedes-Benz 170V (W136) was the company’s chief four-cylinder offering from 1935 through to 1955. It was available in saloon, cabriolet, roadster, cabrio-limousine and even pickup and van guises. Pre-1950 the range was powered by an engine of 1697cc capacity. Total production of the W136 line numbered some 158,196 units.
In summary:
- A fascinating 170V first UK registered on August 25, 1939
- One of just 13 two-seater dickie seat versions remaining
- Featured in the Mercedes club book ‘Celebrating 60 Years of the Marque, Excellence and Style’
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: March 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 11th Mar, 2023
Our March auction of classic, modern classic and prestige cars and motorbikes will take place at Mavericks in Holywell, North Wales (half an hour’s drive from Chester). Mavericks, 8 Moyston Road Business Park, Llannerch-y-Môr, Holywell, CH8 9DQ
There will be free parking for auction attendees.
Entries are now being invited, and sellers will benefit from Hampson’s unique offering of zero sellers commission for physical auctions, meaning that vendors keep 100% of the hammer price achieved for their vehicles.
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Viewing Days:
Friday 10th March 2pm - 7pm
Saturday 11th March 9am - 1pm
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
