There’s something about a car with an interesting geographical history that always makes me want it more. Take this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 Kombi here on eBay with bidding at $8,100 and the reserve unmet: it was ordered new by a woman in Fairbanks, Alaska, and only recently parted with the family when the woman’s daughter sold the car. Right away, I’m intrigued by this Kombi’s story. For such a limited production vehicle to catch the eye of an Alaskan mom and have it shipped over is fascinating to me – far more interesting than driving over to the dealer and buying it off the lot. These unusual wagon variants were made by a Mercedes-Benz partner called Binz in Western Germany in extremely limited numbers, so finding one as straight and as rot-free as this car is an impressive find. The seller notes that several of the original booklets and other paperwork have also survived with the Benz all these years, as well as most of the original paint and diesel engine. I’d love to own this old Kombi and build on its stories; do any of you own cars with interesting histories?
The seller has it listed elsewhere for $24,500 which seems like a lot but then again this is likely the cleanest, straightest and most original of these very rare cars left…
VW contracted with Binz in the mid-50s to make coachbuilt Type 2s. When a customer wanted a Double Cab, a factory Single Cab was sent to Binz for the conversion. These early Binz Double Cabs have several obvious features separating them from later models. They are highly coveted in the VW bus world Great find!
More fun Binz info here: http://www.dropgates.com/binz/binzhistory.html
There was a Benz wagon in CT back in the 60s that I always admired.. saw it around for years but this one is outstanding. So many cars.. so little time.
Greetings All,
This is indeed a rare one, a ponton-based wagon. Would’ve preferred it was a gas version but it does appear to have a factory air conditioner though most likely from the early 60’s. Looks like a Kuhlmeister to me.
IF I had an extra $25K hanging about, can’t find my other pair of pants that had my wallet in it, it would occupy the space next to my 220SE Ponton.
The underside pictures show a remarkably untouched by rust example, just not sure how it managed to stay that way.
Down in San Diego there is a great Mercedes outfit known as Onangers. Over the years they’ve had a few of these, At a recent show they brought this unusual short wheelbase division window limo, a ’66 220SE I think
An inside view of the division window
its a 300 SE..obviously