DFW Car & Toy Museum Acquires Historic 1950 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet B

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has acquired a historically significant 1950 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet B for its Ron Sturgeon Collection, representing Mercedes-Benz's crucial return to prestige manufacturing following World War II. Unveiled just four years after the war's end, the 170S model marked the marque's reemergence with a combination of modern mechanical upgrades and timeless pre-war luxury styling.

This particular cabriolet variant, available in both two- and four-seat configurations, features flowing body lines and a generous interior that echo the elegance of 1930s Mercedes-Benz models like the 230. The vehicle rides on a modified version of the earlier 170 V chassis and is powered by a 1,767cc M136 inline-four engine producing 52 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque. The enhanced powerplant includes a Solex downdraft carburetor and aluminum cylinder head, paired with a fully synchromesh four-speed manual transmission and 4.375:1 rear swing axle.

The 170S's sophisticated suspension system featured double wishbones and coil springs with telescopic shock absorbers in the front, matched by an equally refined rear configuration that represented advanced engineering for its era. Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the vehicle's historical importance, stating that it represents more than technical excellence—it symbolizes Mercedes-Benz's postwar rebirth and the enduring value of craftsmanship.

The museum, located at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com, now displays this rare automotive artifact alongside more than 200 classic vehicles and 3,000 rare toys and collectibles in its 150,000-square-foot North Fort Worth facility. The acquisition underscores how postwar European manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz leveraged pre-war design excellence while incorporating new technological advancements to reestablish their market position and automotive legacy.

This acquisition holds significant implications for Texas's cultural and economic landscape. The DFW Car & Toy Museum's continued expansion and acquisition of historically important vehicles positions North Texas as a premier destination for automotive enthusiasts and historians. The museum's growing collection attracts visitors from across the country, contributing to local tourism and supporting the regional economy through increased visitor spending and cultural tourism development.

The Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet B represents more than just automotive history—it symbolizes the resilience of manufacturing and engineering excellence in the face of global challenges. For Texas businesses, this serves as a reminder of how companies can rebuild and innovate following periods of disruption, drawing parallels to modern economic recoveries and technological transformations. The vehicle's preservation and display in Texas highlights the state's commitment to preserving industrial heritage while fostering appreciation for engineering innovation and design excellence.