woulda, coulda, shoulda...An unavoidable aspect of getting older is coming to terms with pangs of regret for the roads not taken, metaphorically and literally. The post I did recently on old Mercedes vans and campers triggered a wave for me, especially the 0319 motor home conversion. And then when Alistair sent me the pictures of this Mercedes L319D Camper, along with a bit of its story, the waves gathered strength. But when I opened the picture of its rear doors, upon which all the destinations of this globe trotter are painted, it was almost too much. Alistair, you really shouldn’t have…
There it is, and what a list it is. From what I can tell, there were two major globe-trotting journeys, one documented on the left, the other on the right. Here’s a closer look at each.
The first started September 21, 1964, in Victoria, BC Canada. Drove across Canada, shipped out to Rotterdam, criss-crossed much of Western Europe, shipped to North Africa, traversed east to Cairo… Lebanon… Israel… Turkey…. Yugoslavia… Italy…. Vienna… Ukraine… Moscow… Scandinavia… Paris… London… Berlin… even East Berlin… back across Canada… and back home on October 6, 1965 (presumably). A full year on the road, with the winter spent in Northern Africa. A truck full of memories memorialized.
A few years to digest those before wanderlust set in again, and the Benz was off on trip #2, in 1970. This time down across the US to New Orleans, a second trip across other parts of Africa… Spain… France… the Stelvio Pass, taken slowly no doubt, given the 43, 52 or 60 hp, depending on exactly which diesel engine this L319D has. The Brenner Pass too, down into Innsbruck… Germany… Poland… USSR… Turkey… Greece… and then shipped back from Livorno, Italy. And then the return trip from New Orleans to Victoria. This time the trip was seven months long.
I can see my younger self here behind the steering wheel, watching the world go by (sloooowly), ready for the next new country and adventure. Here’s Alistair’s comment on this veteran:
The MB 319 feature some weeks ago had me biting my tongue. My across the street neighbour bought this van during the summer, but is technically not a CC. I actually put him on to it, having found the ad. As you can imagine there is a long story behind it, the original owner’s son was selling what really was a family treasure. My neighbour had thought he would fix it up but I feel he is now daunted by the task.
This is giving me twinges of regret for not venturing further than I have.
Truly an amazing find for Alistair and his neighbor.
Love it. Saw one of these the other day and it looked great in the flesh.
I am entirely in favor of forming a convoy for the trip to Gambia, but this vehicle deserves a light restoration that leaves the history intact, followed by one last globetrot ending in a museum display. Perhaps there is a Mercedes dealer somewhere that has an appreciation for unglamorous Mercedes products with interesting histories. Or does Darr, the adventure outfitter in Munich, still exist?
That’s some pretty impressive travel on those doors! The camper will definitely have paid for itself in accommodation costs.
This reminds me of my aunt & uncle who did several extended trips across Europe in a Kombi camper when they were living in England, they went as far as Greece & Turkey, and by land to Norway on a separate trip.
As a Mercedes-Benz, it’s one vehicle that would command respect in every place it’s been to. With some work, I think it’s up for another road trip.
I’d like to think so also but unbeknown to a lot of North Americans who hear the name Benz and think luxury and Grey Poupon, Mercedes has had an illustrious career as a truck maker almost as long as they have made cars. Most cities abroad have scores of Benz buses rolling about and loads of Benz delivery trucks about.
There was one of these near Cygnet in southern Tasmania, now I’m wondering how it got there.
Wow, I’m in awe.
If only I’d been hitchiking in Barcelona and thumbed a ride to Casablanca in this van.
Of course, I was only three years old in 1970 so questions might have been asked.
Too bad they never wrote a book, but if you want a great read check out “Who Needs a Road?” by Stevens and Podell.
I bet Paul’s already read that.
It looks like it hasn’t been on the road for many years – that BC license plate style is pre-1986.
The inside reminds me a lot of my parents’ Chris-Crafts, including the ’68 Commander they still have. Really neat camper!
1964 fire truck version available for C$5000…
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/4388282603.html
Who buys these things when it’s 1963?
looking for a running l319 for sale
I have a flawless 1965 Mercedes 319 for sale. Only 17500 original KM’s. It was an old German firetruck. It was stored indoors all these years so it’s like it was in a time capsule. Still has the original flawless windshield with maintenance interval sticker that looks like it was put on yesterday!
Let me know if anyone is interested. It’s probably the best example of it’s kind in existence. Located in Kelowna B.C Canada
miveraenterprises@gmail.com
Hi is this still for sale please? as am interested
I have a 1965 Mercedes L319 panel truck
Very large panel body believed to be build by a Swiss body maker.
Truck is diese, sporting the infamous 190d.
Engine runs strong, and it yard drives. the rest of the truck is all there But needs a full rebuild.
It is for sale. Call me (Vermont area code)-917-4636
Hi Matthew,
A very interesting vehicle and story to go along. When are you coming south? Love you,
Grandma
Today we started the engine….first time since 1979-1980. Purred like a sewing machine…water pump seal and hoses need rebuild/replaced. Shifting linkage and brakes next..