Mercedes 180D

[Gliderman8]

I was passing through Kutztown, PA and passed this car lot with a Mercedes 180D sitting out front. I had to stop and have a look. Body is in relatively good shape. It is missing the grill, bumpers, tail-lights, and head.
Interior is good, and all gauges are there. If someone had lots of $ to restore this one, it would be sweet!
Sorry about photo quality... they were taken with a cell phone.

 

[NutmegCT]

Those were great little cars back in the day. The quality of build meant the car could last for ages if cared for. Engine was tough as nails ... but the diesel noise and fumes - and 40hp at 3200 rpm - might limit its usefulness today. From 0 to 60mph in 31 seconds. Wow!

There are *many* of them still plugging along all over the world.

https://mbzponton.org/pax058/people/photogallery180.htm

One of these 180D pontons actually won the (diesel division) of the 1955 (?) Mille Miglia. Very cool.

T.

 

[Gliderman8]

I was thinking of you while I was looking at the car Tom.

 

[Gliderman8]

I like the period venetian blinds in the car above Tom.
Here's another photo of what the car looked like in its prime.

 

[NutmegCT]

Elliot - there's a company in Germany now that makes those blinds again.

https://www.gradulux.de/

I remember when I was a kid, many "luxury" cars had them in the rear. And the *real* luxury cars had clear plastic a/c ducts in the rear also. Similar to this system:

This unit is, of course, a re-circulation system. The Packard Owner's Manual says that if you want "fresh" air, open the side vents. If it's dusty, instead open the front vent windows.

T.

 

[racingenglishcars]

They were a lovely car with a smooth ride and would hold top speed (72mph) all day. My father had one from 61 and I had (technically still have) the slightly larger engine 190D from 59.

 

[NutmegCT]

They were a lovely car with a smooth ride and would hold top speed (72mph) all day. My father had one from 61 and I had (technically still have) the slightly larger engine 190D from 59.

Donn - how about posting a picture or two of your 190D? Does it have the "idle speed adjustment" knob?

Thanks.
Tom

 

[racingenglishcars]

Sorry I have been so long getting back.
The car and most of the more recent pictures are in America, so here are just abut the only two pictures of it I have here.
Yes it has the idle adjuster, rotating horn ring for the turn signal and a glow plug indicator which was nothing more than a glow plug in the dash with a chrome metal cover.