“One of the last surviving examples of a limited-run production run commissioned by Fangio!”
After the Second World War, the Mercedes-Benz factories gradually resumed car production. The start was so tentative that the engineers decided to replace the 4-cylinder petrol engine in their 170 V with a more economical diesel version.
It was therefore in 1949 that sales of this new model, named the 170 D, began. Success came quickly, and sales followed suit, with nearly 6,500 units produced before production ceased in 1955.
In early 1951, the racing driver Juan Manuel Fangio opened the first Mercedes-Benz dealership in Argentina. His first challenge was to sell the 170 Ds… so he came up with the idea of ordering bodywork better suited to use in South America: the famous pick-ups!
Our example is part of this extremely limited production run and was, in fact, imported by the current owner whilst on a trip to South America. Its livery is a fitting tribute to this connection. Having been skilfully restored in recent years, it is now in excellent overall condition and runs beautifully.
A true rarity, this 170 D pick-up with its unique history is a superb choice for a collector wishing to add such a rare Mercedes to their collection, or to adorn their country house with the most charming of utility vehicles!