French title

Chassis No 159703 Engine No 159703

Collection Gilbert Thos, Mercedes-Benz coachbuilder and restorer

  

- High quality restoration

- Elegance of the Cabriolet A

- Only 794 examples

- No reserve

  

Launched in 1936, the “V” of the Mercedes 170 V stood for “Vorn”, indicating a front engine as opposed to the “H” (“Heck”) in the 170 H, relating to the engine fitted at the back. The first one has naturally experienced a higher production volume, thanks to its qualities such as the durability, ease of use and low maintenance. A very elegant 2-seater cabriolet topped the range and only 794 examples of them were produced.

As a Mercedes coachbuilder and a former vehicle restoration lead for Mercedes-Benz France, Gilbert Thos found this example from a collector in Munich who used to own it since 1978. The car was already restored and had a blue and black colour combination. But as a demanding enthusiast, he had a full restoration carried out which was completed in 1996. The quality of the work done is remarkable, especially in terms of the bodywork and paintwork. Of course, the interior is equally impressive, featuring beautiful grey leather upholstery and a wood-effect painted dashboard..

The original instrumentation is complemented by a discreet water temperature gauge placed under the dashboard. It is through the way they withstand the test of time that we are able to judge the quality of their restorations; this one was carried out by a professional and expert (for personal use) with no limitations around cost and time. This work emphasises the elegant and flowing design of this cabriolet; it is therefore a rare opportunity to drive a reliable and versatile pre-war car.

 

Gilbert Thos, a collector under the sign of the star.

 

After studying ship carpentry and boilermaking at the Pont de Buy naval school in Brittany where he was born in 1928, he moved to Paris to work as an automobile bodywork specialist. He then joined the aviation industry and specialised in aluminium. Very quickly however, he returned into the automobile industry, where his passion lies. He was hired as a sheet metal shaper by major bodywork specialists of that era.

In 1958, he founded his own business in Saint-Ouen, the heart of the coachbuilding industry. His business prospered, along with his reputation. It was at this point that Mercedes-Benz appointed him as the official bodywork specialist for the brand. For over 20 years, he was also the coachbuilder for Mercedes-Benz France.

From the 1980s onwards, he focused solely on the restoration of classic Mercedes cars. Many of his restorations were displayed at the Mercedes-Benz space on the Champs Elysees and he also exhibited at the Retromobile Show for a few years.

He built up his own collection of around twenty vehicles; the 170V of 1936 and the 220A of 1952 were his favourite cars.

From the 1980s onwards, he focused solely on the restoration of classic Mercedes cars. Many of his restorations were displayed at the Mercedes-Benz space on the Champs Elysees and he also exhibited at the Retromobile Show for a few years.

He built up his own collection of around twenty vehicles; the 170V of 1936 and the 220A of 1952 were his favourite cars.

Photos © Alexis Ruben