THE STORY An exceptionally rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 S-D Diesel pickup truck (W136 series).
It is believed that fewer than 80 examples were produced by Mercedes-Benz and that only 4 of these left the factory right-hand-drive.
Over 14,800 170 S-Ds were produced between 1952 and 1955 in a variety of body styles - the body on frame design made it perfect for ambulances, estates and other utilitarian configurations.
Powered by the OM636 1.8 litre four-cylinder diesel engine (40 HP) that was known for its durability, reliability, low running costs and practicality.
The fuel system is a direct injection, mechanically controlled Bosch 4-plunger injection pump. The engine is coupled to a 4-speed column shift manual transmission and the package delivered modest power but was very fuel efficient – perfect for government vehicles in post-war Germany.
Due to their extensive use in the commercial sector, very few 170 S-D pickups have survived in good condition, making them an extremely rare collector’s item.
THE CAR Extremely low production run – incredibly unique car - a Mercedes-Benz collector’s dream.
The original record from Mercedes-Benz Germany notes this vehicle as a exported “170 SD Plank Bed Car W136, 185” that was shipped with 1 kg of colour, stone guards under the tank and a “right hand steering wheel”.
This car was delivered to Australia and it is believed it was immediately put to work by the Adelaide Electricity Board. It was delivered as a knock-down kit with a single page of details specifying engine number and body number. The body was manufactured by Lueg of Bochum and the kit came complete with one litre of Stein Grau paint.
When the current owner purchased it in 2001, the car had been used as a farm vehicle and arrived in Queensland in a sorry state with the wooden (probably beech) flooring of the tray bed rotted out and replaced by a loose metal sheet. The doors and cabin were held onto the then rusting chassis by fencing wire.
An extensive body off, chassis-up restoration commenced in 2001 which was brilliantly carried out by Ken Ward at Yandina Panel and Paint over a period of three years. Most of the cabin and tray sides were replaced and any rust was meticulously replaced with new metal.
The car’s paint colour is the original Stone Grey as specified in the original documentation as supplied by Mercedes Benz and it has extremely cool suicide doors.
Mechanical restoration of the engine, gearbox and other required components was carried out by Brian Hughes at Globalmax in Gympie. The tray bed has been replaced with redgum timber to maintain its originality.
The current owner then used the car for many years in his bee-keeping business to drive around the Sunshine Coast checking on his bee hives.
Over the past 6 months, the interior has been treated to new custom-made door cards and seat coverings in the original style red vinyl. A new headlining, rear window panel lining and new carpets have also been custom made and installed.
The car’s engine has also been rebuilt and re-commissioned in 2025 and brand-new radial tyres have been fitted in early 2026.
There is some minor fettling required to completely finish this beauty.
