In the Frisian town of De Blesse we met the Mercedes-Benz 180D pictured here. The owner had just nicely topped off the thing. An exceptional Benz, year of construction 1959 with an original Dutch import license from 1960.
Decades ago the world was full of these cars. They were known as 'dull thumps', today the enthusiast no longer knows that name and they go through life as 'bowler hat (you)'. Such a Benz was tireless and continued to work until they broke apart or fell to the demolition shattered. Mileage of 600.000 - and more - were more commonplace than impact at that time. And freak. We have had a short conversation with the owner of this classic. He has owned the car for more than 10 years. The mileage is original, not even an 38.000! Exceptional, but that is because the first owner - who then picked up his new Benz from the factory and imported it himself - left for South American Ecuador and put the new asset in storage. The thing has been there for decades - unused - salient detail, the bands painted with white paint. The current owner thinks that is nice. You can't argue about taste ...?!
In the early 70s I had a bowler hat 180D. Previous owner was Jan Rietman. This 1962 car has never let us down, having to tow several other cars, especially in winter. The top speed was 95 km per hour, but it was very reliable. Never had a finer car.
Magnificent! And no 38.000 on the counter, unbelievable!
And those white side surfaces make it extra chic. Only be careful with curbs 🙂
Hello. Wanted to ask that the Mercedes is for sale.
I have an 200 diesel from 1965 myself