The L 319 ("319") was developed by Mercedes Benz in the 1950s. Numerous other companies had already entered the van market (VW Bus, Hanomag, Faun, Borgward, DKW, etc.) due to growing cities and shorter delivery times became increasingly important.
In September 1955, Mercedes presented its transporter "L 319" and the minibus "O 319" at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first versions had a 43 hp diesel or 65 hp petrol engine. Later there was a 50 hp diesel engine (OM 621), eventually even a 55 hp diesel. The petrol engine was increased to 68 hp, at the end of production in 1966 the "most powerful" 319 had an impressive 80 hp.
The L 319 was available from the factory in four different body styles. With a gross weight of 3.6 tons and compact dimensions, the new L 319 series was simply ideal for craftsmen and traders. And despite its robust design, the L 319 had a high payload capacity of between 1.6 and 1.8 tons, depending on the version.
Initially manufactured in Sindelfingen, van production was relocated to Düsseldorf in 1962. Daimler-Benz AG had taken over this plant together with Auto Union in 1958, and Düsseldorf has remained the company’s van plant to this day, being the home of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter today. The third production location for the L 319 was Vitoria in Spain, where the vans were assembled in the 1960s, using parts kits supplied by the Düsseldorf plant.
This 1967 Mercedes L 319 D bus was delivered new by R.E.V.I. from St-Denis to the Marseille airport. It arrived in Spain in 2007 for the VIP transport service at the Moritz beer company. The interior has been converted into a beer truck by professionals. Equipped with a custom stainless steel interior with a custom refrigerator and beer tap. There is room for 2 beer kegs. The rear windows have been converted into folding windows.
The vehicle was completely restored in 2018 and repainted in the original colors. All window rubbers have been replaced except the driver's window, which was impossible to find. The roof rack is original. The engine was completely rebuilt about 12.000 km ago. The diesel pump and brakes have also been overhauled.
The van is approved as a nine seater and you can drive it on a car license. With up-to-date Spanish documents and a historical vehicle registration. The car is also an ideal base for conversion to a food truck, camper or VIP bus.
Mercedes-Benz L319D
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|
Year |
1967
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Engine |
OM 621 Diesel 4 cylinder inline
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Displacement |
1.988 cc
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Max. Power |
50 pk at 4.000 rpm
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Top speed |
80 km/h or 50 mph
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LXWXH |
482 x 208 x 234,5 cm
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Weight |
2.230 kg
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Wheelbase |
2.850 mm
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Numbers Build |
140.000
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