Bring A Trailer NO RESERVE auction preview: Extremely rare short wheelbase, recipient of comprehensive restoration during COVID by ex-president of the Gullwing Group.
1960 Mercedes Benz 190b Binz Kombiwagen
Chassis No. – 121.002 10 003935
Engine No. – 121.920.10-003983
Exterior Color – Burgundy
Interior Color – Tobacco MB-Tex
Engine – 1.9 Liter Inline-Four-cylinder SOHC
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Miles – 55,954
Highlights of this Car
-Exemplary restoration on a solid original Binz example
-Rare short wheelbase wagon body (non-ambulance or hearse)
-Obsessively detailed by life-long Mercedes-Benz enthusiast
General History
By 1959 the already impressive W121 had received improvements in the form of the new 190 series. The earliest iteration of the unibody designs needed improvement which came with the addition of four front subframe mounting points making for a smoother ride and more comfortable higher speed stability. The 190b was introduced in June 1959 featuring a new 1.9 liter 90-bhp OHC four-cylinder engine slightly detuned and shared with the 190SL roadster. Additional improvements included a wider radiator shell as well as modest cosmetic and mechanical improvements. Although nearly 30,000 were produced of this series, very few were built in wagon form to meet the market for ambulance and hearse use.
Binz, a German coachbuilder, had been a successful scooter manufacturer but soon became involved in the conversion business on contract with Mercedes-Benz. In this series, specifically designated 190 sedans were built at Mercedes-Benz and then sent to Binz. These complete functional cars arrived at Binz with the roof skin laterally cut at the B-Post and removed all the way to the rear bumper. All four doors and sub-structure were retained front and rear, as were the rear fenders, while the rear window, rear cowl, and trunk were removed. Binz then welded a specially formed steel Kombi body shell (including the roof) to the aft portion of the car, extending the body work to complete the rear wagon design. This modification also included a rear clamshell door arrangement, side glass panels, and rear glass. The stamped chassis numbers for all Binz modified cars were each assigned at Mercedes-Benz with the unique chassis prefix 121.002 used to designate a partial chassis sent to Binz for kombi coachwork.
Most of these cars were constructed using a long wheelbase configuration for professional fleet markets (ambulance and hearse) short wheelbase Kombi examples were made in far fewer numbers and fewer still survive today. Just 349 190b models were converted to Kombiwagen by German coachbuilder Binz between 1958 and 1961. Collectors estimate that fewer than 100 examples remain today, fewer still restored to a high level of excellence as exhibited in this rare and beautifully finished example.
General Overview
This beautifully restored Binz Kombiwagen has been under known ownership in California since 1966 when it was purchased from the original, a doctor based in Santa Monica, CA. The car was then purchased by the second owner, Dr. Allan Rosenberg, San Pablo, CA. Rosenberg, a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast including ownership of a 300S Roadster, retained the car for many years subsequently selling it to George “Nick” Wilhelm of Nick’s Mercedes Service, Walnut Creek, CA. Wilhelm retained the car for nine years before selling the car to the current owner in 2020, at that time with 55,822 miles indicated, which both the previous and current owner believe to be original to the car. Restoration began shortly after the current owner’s purchase in 2020 with a near obsessive approach to make this car as fine as possible. Photos of the restoration in progress show exceptional detailing and finish work performed to the chassis, cowl, all suspension, firewall, and metal repairs (performed with the hood, fenders, and entire front subsections removed) to gain access to the inner lower body panels often prone to rust. Given the rarity, original Binz coachwork, minor body work or corrosion, and exceptional quality of the unibody chassis and original body panels, the owner acquired the very best in 190b components that could be sourced from top European and North American suppliers. Chrome and specialized plating were performed by expert vendors with no detail left untended including the installation of a quartz clock movement by Palo Alto Speedometer. A correct set of molded grey floor mats (sourced from a retired German supplier) and MB-Tex Tobacco upholstery was sourced for the bench seats and door cards, and the wheels were professionally powder coated for durability.
In addition to the extensive restoration for both exterior and interior work, the engine was removed and fully disassembled revealing a very tight bore and a crankshaft to original specifications consistent with the indicated 55k miles. The engine was rebuilt including new piston rings, new main bearings, new rod bearings, new seals, chain tensioner, and the crank polished. The engine was assembled with new intake and exhaust valves, machine work performed on the head, new valve springs installed, and a valve job performed. All suspension components and brakes were rebuilt including new tie rod end boots, upper control arms, new steering box seals and bushings, new engine mounts, and a new exhaust system. A new master cylinder and wheel cylinders were sourced, and a rebuilt brake booster, new flexible hoses and brake lines were installed. The gas tank was treated with the ReNu process, the exterior shell powder coated for longevity, the driveshaft was balanced, and specialized hardware installed to complete the engine and drivetrain assemblies. Among the many rare and desirable parts sourced, the owner sought out the very best quality including exceptionally nice NOS taillights, correct wiper arms, interior trim pieces (rare for the Kombiwagen model), and authentic finishes for the engine and engine compartment. The car was professionally painted in deep burgundy by Triangle Body Shop. Glen Ellen, CA, the completed MB-Tex Tobacco interior installed by Hye Quality USA, Berkeley, CA, and numerous receipts from Sherm’s Plating outline extensive chrome plating performed for virtually all detailed elements on this rare Kombiwagen.
General Condition
Today this 190b Kombiwagen presents as a beautifully restored example with excellent cosmetics and confident mechanical features befitting the rarity of this model. After four years of restoration, the car has been sorted, and dialed in accumulating just over 120 miles under current ownership. The burgundy paint is an elegant and fitting color for the Kombiwagen finished with smooth and glossy coverage, consistent color, and smooth finishes on underside and door jamb areas. All four doors open and shut properly though fresh weatherstripping does require more of a firm shut on the rear doors. The hood has excellent fit and the clamshell type rear door area is cleverly configured to allow for large items to be easily loaded. Panel gaps are very good and crisp latching is consistent for all opening features. The exterior chrome is in excellent condition with beautiful luster and bright reflections. All lenses, lighting, and glass are in excellent condition including the stunning NOS rear tailights. A set of 13” original steel wheels and wheel covers have been finished in matching powder coated burgundy and wear a set of contemporary Maxxis MA-1 185/80 R13 radial tires. Every detail from the exceptional grille, correct side view mirror, polished trim, and unique rear doors are all beautifully finished.
The interior has been restored to a very high level with correct finishes offering a rewarding and cohesive presence throughout. The MB-Tex Tobacco color is an elegant match to the deep burgundy exterior color. The floors are finished with a set of correct molded grey rubberized floor mats front and rear. The dashboard is particularly nice with excellent gauges, very nice color on the dial faces, and beautiful chrome finishes. The excellent condition of the chrome bezels and refined detailing of the dash, steering wheel and other interior elements are a delight including the working quartz movement clock and Becker Mexico radio. The interior door panels, armrests, and various trim are all in excellent condition. The rear storage area is very clean and properly finished in matching body color and tobacco paint finish including the spare tire storage underside, correct floor mats, and spare tire. The rear seat folds flat and down against the back of the front bench seat, allowing for large cargo storage.
The engine compartment is very well done with proper presentation using correct parts and correct mechanical features including an aluminum cam cover, a correct air cleaner and snorkel, correct heater ducting, rebuilt radiator, and proper hardware. The restoration and post-restoration services have been performed with attention to correct lines, hoses, and electrical as needed. The various and correct Mercedes-Benz numbers, build plates, and stampings are all documented to be consistent with the body and chassis sequences for original Binz cars. The engine block is stamped with the correct number and matches the chassis tag. The undercarriage is in excellent condition representative of an original chassis showing no visual evidence of structural compromise to the floor pans or suspension mounting points.
For anyone seeking a truly exceptional and rare example of one of Mercedes-Benz’s finest early series wagons, this example must be counted among the very best available today.
Items Included with the Car
The car is accompanied by a set of floor mats, a set of books and plastic folder, an original jack, a set of original tools, and tool roll.
The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.
Fantasy Junction • 510-653-7555 • 1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608