For Sale - 1959 Mercedes 180D in Portland, OR

Contact Info

aschneid1 at comcast.net

503-892-2960

Price

$5,500

Some Background

This is a 1959 "round body" Mercedes (also referred to as a "ponton" because of the style of the chasis). It is not show quality but is in very nice condition. I have owned it for 9 years. I bought it from a private owner in Utah. He owned if for 4 years and bought it from the original owner who had it stored in a barn for 15 years. I had it shipped to Portland when I bought it. It had a professional rust protection under-coating 3 years ago. Body is straight. Fenders are straight. Rear fender was re-chromed about 5 years ago. Not sure on the mileage. Probably around 300,000 but the engine is strong. Recently replaced the valve cover gasket. Shifts smoothly; purrs along the freeway at 60mph but not much more. Always starts after about 45 seconds of heating the glow plugs. Interior is in good shape. No leaks; all windows work and locks work. No tears in seats or roof headliner. Tires are in decent shape. Radiator was professionally cleaned and drained about 3 years ago. Comes with very rare Oregon "pacific wonderland" license plates. I drive the car at least once or twice a week during good weather. Not as much during the winter months. I have been running biodiesel in the car for 2 years. All rubber fuel lines have been replaced with biodiesel-certified viton lines. All electrical work including original clock, 1950's blaupunkt radio (not original but authentic '50's radio). I have replaced some of the bakelite interior parts with "classier" wood pieces from 190 and 220 Mercedes models (dash piece, glove box cover, heater control cover).

Includes miscellaneous parts and original repair manuals. Also have original owners manual.

Issues

It will be 50 years old in 2009 (don't expect a quiet, problem-free vehicle); heater boxes need to be rebuilt or replaced (a "bear-bones", manual heating assembly was built by the previous owner so there is heat); could use a paint job; driver's door needs realignment (closes and opens fine but does not close evenly like the other doors); front fender needs re-chroming

Why Am I Selling

Tough decision but I'm not as committed to the preservation and restoration as I used to be so it is time to pass the torch and let someone else continue the TLC. It drives great and it is definitely an "eye-catcher" when on the road.