This 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190b is one of a claimed 349 that underwent a Kombiwagen conversion by German coachbuilder Binz between 1958 and 1961. Chassis 1711 is reported to have been originally acquired through the European delivery program and spent the majority of its time in California before being acquired by the current owner on BaT in November 2024. Finished in gray and white primer, the car retains a 1.9-liter inline-four and a column-shifted four-speed manual transmission along with a Becker radio, VDO instrumentation, and bench seating trimmed in blue MB-Tex upholstery. It is described as a non-running project that requires cosmetic and mechanical work. This W121 Kombi Ponton project is now offered at no reserve by the seller on behalf of the owner in Connecticut with spare parts and Connecticut registration.
The W121 featured integrated “pontoon-style” fenders and unit-body construction with crumple zones. The coachbuilt Kombiwagen bodywork of this example was constructed by Binz at their factory in Lorch, West Germany. It is finished in cracking gray and white primer. The front intake fins, fender-mounted turn signals, and rear side windows as well as various other exterior components are missing. Damage to the front end is shown up close in the gallery.
The black 13″ steel wheels are mounted with Nankang tires. The car was factory equipped with a double-wishbone front and single-joint rear axle suspension with coil springs. The drum brake system is said to have been freed up under current ownership.
The cabin houses seating surfaces upholstered in blue MB-Tex along with a color-coordinated dashboard and door panels. A Becker Mexico TR push-button radio and VDO analog clock are retained in the dash. The upholstery is torn in places, the dashboard is peeling, the glovebox door is broken, and the floor boards are rusted.
The Kombiwagen conversion features a clamshell split-opening tailgate, the latch for which was repaired under current ownership. The forward-folding rear bench provides an extended flat loading space, and an enclosed storage compartment is located below the floor.
The two-spoke steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation consisting of a 100-mph speedometer flanked by auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 99k miles.
The 1.9-liter M121B inline-four does not run and is mated to a column-shifted four-speed manual transmission. Work in February 2025 involved freeing up the engine as well as repairing the hood latch. The radiator and various ignition components are not installed.
Rust on various underside components is shown in photos below.
Binz body number badge #1538 is shown above. The stamped chassis number begins with 121.002, which was the prefix used to designate a partial chassis sent to Binz for kombi coachwork.
Source: 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190b Binz Kombiwagen Project at No Reserve
