1963 Mercedes-Benz 190d Binz Coachbuilt Fintail Station Wagon Kombiwagen

1963 Mercedes-Benz 190d Binz Coachbuilt Fintail Station Wagon Kombiwagen.

VIN# 11010110071379

Binz Karosserie Nr. 2096

And now for something completely different….

Up for offer is an extremely rare Mercedes-Benz 190d Kombiwagen built by German coachbuilder Binz & Co Karosseriefabrik. There are less than 15 surviving examples of the Binz kombiwagen (non-ambulance) version w110 fintail ”heckflosse” known to exist in the world today.

Binz Karosserie in Lorch/Wurttemberg Germany has been working with Mercedes-Benz building custom variants of different models over the past 80 years. These models include ambulances, hearses, taxis, and the rarest of the few, special ordered kombiwagens (station wagon) models built for private use as seen here. Other coachbuilders of the period included Miesen of Germany and IMA of Belgium, whose “universal” wagons are well known as over two thousandexamples were built using the w110 chassis. Binz Karosserie was famous for their high top roof design. The kombiwagen version seen here is actually the lowest of the different roof configurations offered by Binz.

This Mercedes w110 Binz Kombiwagen has spent most of it’s life in California, so the rust issues are less than normal in the scope of fintails. After inspecting the entire car, the only “problem areas” discovered were minimal and in three spots; a 3” area at the front section of the LH rocker, a 1” hole at the front of the RH rocker, and a 4” area in the LH rear floorboard. Aside from surface scale throughout the body from failing paint, the car appears to be actually very solid and complete. Door bottoms are very good along with subframe and suspension mounts. Cargo area floor, floor panels, wheel arches etc. all appear solid - all jack points are solid as well. Engine compartment is solid around battery and master brake cylinder. Spare tire well is clean with only some surface scale. The original Binz hand fabricated roof is solid and straight with no rust holes. Although the car still presents itself well, the paint has failed in multiple areas and there is some surface rusting throughout which has been treated and re-coated on the roof. Rear tailgate opens and stays upright with no problems. Tailgate had some body filler which has cracked in multiple spots. Tailgate appears solid with no problem areas around window seal or bottom lip. Tailgate retains Binz Nr. 2096 stamp at bottom right. Minor crease in passenger front door. All chrome and brightwork is uniformly aged, and all looks to be 100% original.Excellent panel fit and door gaps.Excellent door closure. All door handles function properly. Hood opens and latches closed properly.

The car retains it's factory fitted set of five w186 “Adenauer” 15” wheels as ordered and 4 hubcaps. p215/75r15 whitewall tires look to have low miles and hold air, but are over 10 years old and should be replaced. Remnants of possible dealer installed “Kuhlmeister” air conditioner are present (condenser and receiver dryer). Vintage Hella driving lights in good condition. Original Becker Europa TG radio is present, along with the fender mounted Hirschmann manual antenna. The period correct "Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil Club" ADAC grille badge is a nice touch.

Seats are in good condition with no tears. Upholstery appears to have been originally red MB vinyl, but at some point have been re-dyed brown. Springs and padding are intact and have retained integrity. Carpet appears to be aftermarket and is faded but presentable. Door panels have been recovered and are intact, but cards have some warping from moisture and age. Dash pad is heavily cracked from the California sun and will require replacement. Missing LH rear door panel topper. Windshield is replacement with no pitting. All other glass is excellent original Sekurit, aside from RH front vent window which is cracked.

Comes with 3 large bins of extra parts. Mechanical, interior and exterior trim pieces are included.

Documentation included with the sale includes dealer parts receipts, a reprint of the original Binz w110 brochure, historical photographs, spec sheets, production figures and original Mercedes-Benz build sheet for this car.

Little is known of the history of this car, but receipts indicate that the car lived in British Columbia before being relocated to Sacramento, California in the early 1980’s with the same owner. Receipts also show that the car received a restoration at that time with new paint in a handsome two-tone brown and almond paint scheme, and some interior work including new headliner, door panels, and carpet. The repaint quality looks to have been very good, but after 35 years is tired and will require a complete repaint. The car had been sitting in storage since 2010, when it’s last owner passed away.

Mechanically, the 4 cylinder OM621 diesel engine starts up and runs well, both hot and cold, and the engine appears to be very healthy with no oil leaks of any kind. Exhaust smoke is minimal and there is no indication of any serious mechanical flaws. Oil has been changed with DELO 15w40 and serviced with new filters. Both the brake and clutch hydraulics will need to be serviced before the car can be considered driveable. Brakes, gearbox and clutch have not been tested however a family member of the previous owner stated that the car was in good mechanical condition and a daily driver until it was put into storage.

Car is sold as-is with a clear California title in my name. This car is an ideal candidate for a full restoration.

About Payment:
I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion. I would like a $500 deposit via paypal within 24 hours. Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. Buyer will need to secure transportation arrangements within 30 days of auction close.The car will be securely garaged until pickup.

About this auction:
This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid. Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid. Basically,please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car. Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied. Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Placer County, California under applicable state laws. By bidding you agree to these terms.

About me:
Please check my feedback, I take customer satisfaction very seriously. I am a private collector and I own this car outright. The pictures were taken this week.

You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the car in person before the close of auction or purchase. I am a private individual, not a business and this car is located at my private residence, so any appointments to view the car must be made within reasonable daylight hours and with reasonable notice. Vehicle is located in Auburn, California 95603, about 30 minutes west of Sacramento.

Post Auction details:
The transport cost is the responsibility of the winning bidder, although I can certainly help with logistics. I have used a transport booking service for years with good results that can help you find a reasonable shipping rate. New owner will be given a bill of sale and a clean California title. Any registration fees and/or safety inspections are the sole responsibility of new owner.
Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote:
Schumacher Cargo
CFR Rinkens
California Shipping

Thanks for looking!