We used to run a feature called “Heap of the Week”, and while it’s something we decided we weren’t generally known for, it was a fun feature. It allowed us to look at vehicles that had potential or were potential struggles; rare cars or just cars that are rarely seen. It’s another expression of automotive enthusiasm – anyone can walk down to a Porsche dealership with enough money and buy what will certainly be a classic someday if you keep the miles low enough and condition good. However, to take something neglected and return it to pristine shape? That’s the domain of a different type of enthusiast, one who sees the potential through the years of neglect and anticipate a result that could be considered near impossible. There’s also a different sect of enthusiasts who appreciate patina; the worn perfection of years of neglect, but also the specter of countless stories. Throw a particularly rare model into the mix, and you have what could potentially be a show stopper:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 SV-D on eBay
Year: 1955
Model: 170 SV-D
Engine: 1.7 liter inline-4
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: “0” mi
Price: $42,000 Buy It Now
This listing is for a 1955 Mercedes Benz 170 S-D Pick-up Truck of which fewer than 80 were built by the Mercedes Benz factory. This truck is one (1) of three (3) that are known to still exist world wide. I have owned this truck since about 1985 and last drove it in 1988 and parked it when I blew the output shaft bearing in the transmission. The truck appears quite solid ( even the battery boxes are solid , yes plural on the boxes as it uses two 6V. batteries ) and is 99.5% complete and comes with most everything needed for a complete engine rebuild and includes most all difficult parts needed for the transmission rebuild should you decide to go with restoration v.s. resto-rodding it. I have included many high def. images and will answer any questions you might have. I know that there are many questions to be asked by any potential buyer and encourage such to do so before making any offers or buying. Serious inquires only, and please, no stupidly low ball offers! Would consider interesting motorcycle or car as part trade providing it’s not a project. Questions can be addressed by e-mail or phone at 575-751-9069.
While the W191-based 170 pickup is certainly an obscure model, I’m not sure that it’s really 1 of only 3 in the world. A simple image search for the model yields many more results than that. It is, though, a lovely shape and design, a vehicle which challenges the premise that you need an American truck to get classic 50s style with utility. It is, also, a bit of a basket case and will need a serious amount of work to get it running, never mind restored.
Evan featured this very truck back in 2012 in a similar state, still in New Mexico. In terms of value, it seems a bit of a reach for the current asking price; Hagerty places a condition 1, Concours ready 170S-D at about $30,000. Obviously, more obscure models such as this pickup raise the baseline valuation, but I think the seller will be hard pressed to realize their suggested value.
Still, it is undeniably cool and an incredible alternative to the norm – that may be priceless.
-Carter
