The Mercedes-Benz 170 came in 2 versions – H type that stood for ‘Heck’ (rear in German) and V type ‘Vorn’ (front in German). So the 170H had an engine that was at the rear while the Mercedes-Benz 170V came with a 'floating engine' at the front.

The engine was called 'floating engine' as the same was mounted on the frame at two points where the oscillation axis passed through the centre of mass because of which the 4 cylinder engine had the vibration characteristics as that of any 6 cylinder engine.

With a 1697cc engine, they were made between 1936-1939 and was a top seller for the company. Over 50,000 cars were produced.