Waiting for a 170D Data Plate?

[Som]

I really feel stupid asking but is this a D or Da?  I am new here and this is all sort of confusing but it seems to me if the Data Plate (170Da/136.160 C74XX/51) starts out "170Da" the car is in fact a Da.  I would conclude that although it seems to me in restorable condition, it is not the most suitable for a split valve cover "early" 170D engine.  Are all the so called 170D cars with boots that can be accessed from the outside marked Da on the Data Plate but are often referred to as 170D? The ones that you can not access from the outside are pre-war and someone could wait years for one of these pre-war 170D name plate cars to come up for sale in the US.  Right?  I guess the suitability for restoration and similar vintage again beats the matching numbers. 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220394941210&viewitem=

thanks

Barry

[John Ellis]

This is a 170Da.  It has, as you noted, external trunk access.  This was a new feature introduced on the 170Da (and 170Va).  The 170D trunk was accessible only thru the back seat.  The 170D diesel model was not available pre-war (production May 1949 > May 1950).  It is also a 1951 model and the 170Da began production in 1950.  The data card and all ID plates should indicate that it is a 170Da. 

With regard to the split valve cover, it was furnished on the early 170Da models up until engine number OM636.916-06650.  So to answer your question, there was both a split valve cover and single valve cover engine in the 170Da depending upon year of production.  This was not uncommon with Mercedes, they made incremental changes as they were available without regard to model designation or year.

[Henry Magno]

One thing you should consider is whether you want a 170 V/D variant, or 170S, SD etc. The 170 V and similar have wood framing in the bodies. The 170 S and 220 are all steel. The woodwork makes for a more difficult restoration. Also, you may want to consider the Diesel vs. gas choice. To me it's a choice between slow, noisy and rough, or just slow.

[Som]

Thanks for your input.  I have been known to get bogged down in all the choices but looking at all the pictures and dreaming about a restoration is very enjoyable.  Speaking of choices, my title company here in PA says it is not a problem doing a cabriolet conversion, addressing the legal issue of registering the car that is.  That 170S that just failed to sell on eBay is still available but an early post war 170Da is of more historic significance I would say.  I kind of like the sound of a diesel, sounds like economy and dependability. 

Concerning the wood in an earlier model, I would be far more comfortable doing some wood working than I will be with the gas welding and brazing. 

It isn't so important where you are going but how enjoyable the ride. 

Barry
still without anything Benz