One of the very few survivors
1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 D 'Binz Benz' Station Wagon

• Rare 'civil' station wagon by Binz
• Delivered new to Hollywood, California
• Meticulously restored some time ago
• Important documentation on file

Introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1956, the 190 saloon was a larger-engined version of the landmark 180 of 1953, Mercedes-Benz's first unitary construction model. Dubbed 'Ponton' because of its high, box-section, side members, the 180/190 bodyshell offered superior resistance to distortion when compared to the separate body/chassis of the preceding generation. As well as greatly increasing rigidity, the new design was notable for carrying the entire engine, transmission, steering, and front suspension assemblies on a detachable rubber-mounted sub-frame, an arrangement that greatly reduced noise. This altogether more modern coachwork also afforded its occupants greater roominess and much-improved visibility.

The rare 190 D station wagon offered here carries coachwork by Binz GmbH & co AG, a German coachbuilder specialising in providing vehicles for the emergency services and building other custom designs on, mainly, Mercedes-Benz chassis. The car was delivered new by R G Lents & Company on Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, California, USA to Susanna B Davidson of Pasadena, California It came with an original colour scheme of White Gray exterior and red leather and leatherette interior, which featured a sun visor and heater blower.

The car is accompanied by a photocopy of the Mercedes-Benz Fahrzeug Daten, the original owner's manual, owner's service policy, and original service book stamped at 11,820 miles, and the old US title, as well as other documents that allow us to trace several of its previous owners, including Robert Merrigan, who owned it from 1993 to 2008. Later, in 2010, the car was imported from the USA to the Netherlands.

This rare 'Binz-Benz' survivor, restored a few years ago, offers a distinctive, practical, and stylish alternative while retaining the robust and reliable characteristics of the 190 D Mercedes-Benz from the early 1960s. It represents a rare and appealing option for enthusiasts of classic Mercedes-Benz models.