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Old 25th May 2018, 20:09   #1
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Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

Father & Son Restorations, Kolkata, specialize in restoration of vintage and classic cars, as a hobby. Run by the father and son duo of Pallab Roy and Saurav Roy, this hobby venture is slowly but surely maturing. We first heard of duo on the restoration on Netaji's Wanderer

Some history of the family would be important to understand their passion for vintage and classic cars.

Quote:
The Cossimbazar Rajbari (palace) adjacent to the historical town of Murshidabad in West Bengal. Way back in time, when Murshidabad was the capital of the Nawabs of Bengal, Cossimbazar was a flourishing port on the Ganga, tucked inside a bend in the river.

Therefore, with the abolition of ‘zamindari’ in the 1950s, earnings dwindled and the palace had to be shut down while the family moved to their Calcutta home for better pursuits. The Roys shut down the Cossimbazar Palace but did not abandon it.

It was in the early 90s that the family decided to have a go at the restoration of the palace. Many areas had been walled up for lack of upkeep, objects stolen and many of the sections in severe disrepair. “We realised that the amount of work and the money necessary to restore the palace would be crippling. But we refused to give up,” said Roy.

Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-outlook.jpg
https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook...-rise-phoenix/
Their single family owned car, is the very rare 1928 Studebaker President 8 State Limousine. Original owner was Raja Kamala Ranjan Roy of Cossimbazar.

Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-image1.jpeg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-image2.jpeg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-image3.jpeg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-image4.jpeg


With this family background, it is but natural for the family to appreciate fine things. For these Art and music lovers, the preservation and restoration of culture is very important. The restoration of the Cossimbazar Palace is a good example of their passion for anything old, but important.

The Studebaker ignited their committement to vintage and classic cars and thus started the hobby to restore vintage cars

Cheers

KPS

Last edited by theMAG : 29th May 2018 at 17:40. Reason: Typo fixed. "is"="in"
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Old 25th May 2018, 20:33   #2
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re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

The Mercedes 170V Roadster is a jewel and most desirable of all 170V produced. Less the 300 of this very collectible body line was produced.

Quote:
Enough of the W136's tooling survived Allied bombing during World War II (or could be recreated post-war) for it to serve as the foundation upon which the company could rebuild. By 1947 the model 170 V had resumed its place as Mercedes' top-seller, a position it held until 1953.[2]

The "V" in the 170 V's name was an abbreviation of "Vorn" (front), added to differentiate it from the contemporary rear-engined Mercedes-Benz 170H (W28) ("H" for "Heck", rear) which used the same four cylinder 1697cc engine, but positioned at the back of the car.
Source
Quote:
So successful was Nibel’s original concept, that the 170 changed little until it was replaced in 1936 by the four-cylinder 170V. A landmark model for the Stuttgart-based manufacturer, the 1.7-litre 170V formed the mainstay of Mercedes-Benz production in the immediate post-war years. Running gear was state-of-the-art at the time, comprising an oval-tube backbone-type chassis, swing-axle independent rear suspension, transverse-leaf independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes. Two- and four-door saloon models were offered together with no fewer than five different soft-tops. The model reappeared post-war and in improved form continued in production until 1955.

The Mercedes-Benz 170V that we offer is one of 271 of these stylish Roadsters built, of which only 11 are known to exist
Source

Probably one of the finest known examples in India is from the Abbas Jasdanwalla Collection. This 1936 Roadster, ironically sports a WB number too!
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-abbas.jpg

Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-abbas1.jpg



The Roys found this jewel in Kolkata. It had been exposed to the elements to close to 30 years. Metal on the car was missing, but the engine and chassis and the rear part of the body was there, albeit in a very poor condition.

Pictures of the car, or what was left of it, post the rescue at their residence in Kolkata

Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-1.jpg

Rare RHD version
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-2.jpg

The rear rumble seat
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-3-.jpg

With the wheel cover
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-3-a1.jpg

Soaking for clean and also to aid in freeing up the bolts
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-3.jpg

The process of dismantling of what is left of the car was started immediately. The allows for a complete assessment of the task ahead
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-3-b.jpg

The clutch plate is exposed
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-2a.jpg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-3-d.jpg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-3-c.jpg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-3-e.jpg


Great to have a battery of people to handle the car
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-19a.jpg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-19n.jpg

Finally to a covered place after 30 years
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-19c.jpg

Cheers

KPS

Last edited by KPS : 28th May 2018 at 15:22.
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Old 28th May 2018, 07:41   #3
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re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

The 170V has a M 136 Engine, which is a 1,697 cc inline-four, 38 HP engine.

Quote:
The 1.7 liter four cylinder rear wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz 170 V (W136) was introduced in 1936 to replace the 1.7 liter six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz 170 (W15). Despite their similar engine capacities, the new car's side-valve M136 was more powerful. The manual transmission was four speed synchromesh (having been upgraded from synchromesh in only the top two ratios in 1940). Claimed maximum power was 38 PS (28 kW; 37 hp) at 3,400 RPM at an initial compression ratio of 6:1.[5] Mileage was 10 litres per 100 kilometres (28 mpg‑imp; 24 mpg‑US). The engine was attached using just two mountings and set the standard for smoothness for four-cylinder motors.
Source
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-4-m-136-engine.jpg

The engine marking confirming M 136
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-4a.jpg

Reflects years of neglect and that the car has not run for a few decades.
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-5.jpg

Accumalation of mud, sulpher and aluminium rot
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-6.jpg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-6a.jpg

After scraping the connecting shaft is revealed
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-7.jpg

Head seems to be in decent shape. Looks like the bolt threads will have to re-bored.
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-8b.jpg

The pistons and valves are soaked in the hope of freeing them up
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-8a.jpg


Unfortunately the pistons were badly seized and had to be hammered out, after removing the connecting shaft.
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-eng.png

This damages the piston, but it easier to source new pistons and sleeve the bore
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-eng1.jpeg

Slowly by surely the pistons were removed without further damaging the bore.
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-8.jpg

Hammered piston
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-9.jpg

One for sample!
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-11a.jpg

Cleaning as the dismantling progresses
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-8c.jpg

Parts are collected to be check individually is it can be repaired or needs replacement
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-7a.jpg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-7b.jpg

Cheers

KPS

Last edited by KPS : 28th May 2018 at 15:20.
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Old 28th May 2018, 19:49   #4
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re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

Slowly but surely the parts are being sourced. There is so much to do in this project, that there can be no starting point!

Well, the manual is always a good starting point!
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-15.jpg

This is the original Solex PICB carburetor sourced for the car
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-12-solex-picb-carburetor-.jpg

Getting a new carb will make a big difference in the actual running of the car
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-13.jpg

Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-14.jpg

The missing panels have been sourced. Very sensible thing to do as in the absence of a template, it would have not been posssible to recreate the same
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-16.jpg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-17.jpg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-18.jpg

The complete steering wheel.
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-20.jpg

Since this is a roadster, the steering wheel is an important visual element. One of the first things when you peek inside the car will be the steering wheel.
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-21.jpg

It was important to source this complete part
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-22.jpg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-23.jpg


Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-24.jpg

The taillight too has arrived
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-25.jpg

Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-26.jpg

Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-27.jpg

Will continue this thread as more updates start coming from Kolkata.

Wish father & son all the very best for what appears their most challenging project, the resuscitation of this very desirable roadster.

Cheers

KPS

Last edited by KPS : 28th May 2018 at 20:05.
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Old 29th May 2018, 08:54   #5
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Re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Classic Cars Section. Thanks for sharing!
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Old 29th May 2018, 09:53   #6
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Re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

Amazing and thrilling experience to go through this thread.
Thanks for bringing this up here.

It would be an epitome of courage and efforts these guys are putting in.
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Old 29th May 2018, 10:51   #7
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Re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

Even after seeing so many restoration from scratch projects in this forum, I just can't wrap my head around the idea of restoring a whole car from what, seems to be just a few mangled panels and a chassis/engine combo.

Or is it done on the premise that, only the chassis and engine needs to be in original condition and restored, while the exterior panels can be fabricated or outsourced?
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Old 29th May 2018, 11:28   #8
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Re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

Looking at the state of the car.. the last thought in my mind would be to restore it! One can only imagine how much time and painstaking effort it takes to transform something from this condition to pristine! Hats off KPS!
I'm really excited to see how she turns out!
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Old 29th May 2018, 12:40   #9
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Re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

Exciting to go through this thread and will wait for more updates. But, as a lay man, i absolutely cannot imagine that something can be restored and brought back to its original condition FROM what was shown on the first photograph ! Kudos to the restorer and first of all the willingness to take up something like that. Wow.

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Old 29th May 2018, 12:40   #10
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Re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

This thread brought me to mull over the known Mercedes Benz 170V Roadsters in India. One has to be a bit careful though, apparently some sedan's have been converted. These are the Roadsters known to me, truly original cars. I am sure that there are a few that I may have missed. Any pics can be posted.

1) Abbas Jasdanwalla Mumbai
2) Ex- Mehta, Ex-Titus car Delhi
3) Freddy Turel (Ex-Bhavnagar) Mumbai
4) White car with a 180 engine in Mumbai
5) Ex-Mallya, Ex-Anand Motors Mumbai
6) Lucknow / MP car red coloured.
7) Antique shop on Nepean Sea Road Mumbai had one white car lying with them for years.

Any more inputs? So when it is mentioned that only 11 are known to exist, that does sound to be a very low number. Maybe they are not aware of the India cars.

Cheers harit

Last edited by harit : 29th May 2018 at 13:05.
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Old 29th May 2018, 13:28   #11
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Re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

Another great thread. Thanks KPS!! Should have heated the pistons and head or some other process and slowly removed the pistons IMO. Hope the old head has not cracked with the hammer blows
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Old 1st June 2018, 11:23   #12
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Re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

Quote:
Originally Posted by harit View Post
This thread brought me to mull over the known Mercedes Benz 170V Roadsters in India. One has to be a bit careful though, apparently some sedan's have been converted. These are the Roadsters known to me, truly original cars. I am sure that there are a few that I may have missed. Any pics can be posted.

1) Abbas Jasdanwalla Mumbai
2) Ex- Mehta, Ex-Titus car Delhi
3) Freddy Turel (Ex-Bhavnagar) Mumbai
4) White car with a 180 engine in Mumbai
5) Ex-Mallya, Ex-Anand Motors Mumbai
6) Lucknow / MP car red coloured.
7) Antique shop on Nepean Sea Road Mumbai had one white car lying with them for years.

Any more inputs? So when it is mentioned that only 11 are known to exist, that does sound to be a very low number. Maybe they are not aware of the India cars.

Cheers harit
Great recall Harit. From the archives of TBHP, here are the pictures of the cars as listed by you!

1) Abbas Jasdanwalla Mumbai
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-1.jpg
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-2.jpg

2) Ex- Mehta, Ex-Titus car Delhi
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-4.jpg
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-5.jpg

3) Freddy Turel (Ex-Bhavnagar) Mumbai
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-3.jpg

4) White car with a 180 engine in Mumbai
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-6.jpg
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-7.jpg

5) Ex-Mallya, Ex-Anand Motors Mumbai
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-8.jpg
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-9.jpg

6) Lucknow / MP car red coloured.
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-10.jpg

Here is one from a Tamil movie, circa 1962. Not sure that this car survives
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-11.jpg
Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster-12.jpg

Cheers

KPS
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Old 2nd June 2018, 11:32   #13
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Re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

Nice thread KPS! Harit has listed out all known survivors in india more will tumble out of the woodwork and still more may be imported as its a pre 1950 car. Recently a similar condition car came for sale on ebay out of the US and sold at a high price (relatively). But then all mercedes prices including common sedans has been going up thanks to the strong heritage pitch thrown in my mercedes in many markets.

170V's are not uncommon in Europe and there are lots of survivors. I attended a mercedes event in the netherlands once and there itself there were 5 attending the event.
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Old 2nd June 2018, 16:47   #14
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Re: Father & son resuscitate a 1938 Mercedes Roadster

Quote:
Originally Posted by KPS View Post
Great recall Harit. From the archives of TBHP, here are the pictures of the cars as listed by you!

2) Ex- Mehta, Ex-Titus car Delhi
Attachment 1766083
Attachment 1766084
I had thought that BYH-2115 is an ex-Bhopal car. Could someone please confirm ? Thanks
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Old 4th June 2018, 09:58   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KPS View Post
The Roys found this jewel in Kolkata. It had been exposed to the elements to close to 30 years. Metal on the car was missing, but the engine and chassis and the rear part of the body was there, albeit in a very poor condition.

A superb find, the owners are lucky to have gotten their hands on this project, however daunting a task it may be. Thanks for sharing these detailed step by step photos


Quote:
Originally Posted by travancore View Post
I had thought that BYH-2115 is an ex-Bhopal car. Could someone please confirm ? Thanks

The car was owned for a long time by a Parsi gent named Mehta in Bombay. BYH corresponds to Pune in the 50s, no idea about Bhopal connections. It used to be a lovely original car when with him.

Quote:
Originally Posted by KPS View Post
6) Lucknow / MP car red coloured.
Attachment 1766089

This isn't a 170, its a larger car, perhaps 230/290/320? A very handsome car.


Atleast 3 more cars are known to survive. Possibly more will turn up.

Last edited by karlosdeville : 4th June 2018 at 10:02.
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