TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Dec 04, 2017 6:02 pm

EverettB wrote: I didn't see you repost the pics so I fixed your original post above with image links that work now.

Thank you very much

Mon Dec 04, 2017 6:06 pm

Tram wrote: Sitting Duck wrote: Exactly! Actually, not exactly. Mine is a rust-bucket skeleton but eventually I hope to have it looking like that. Not everybody's cup of tea. But it is so unique. As you know, the Glorious split window is the ultimate but this is so unique and rare and will give me a little more options in regards to Interior Space I am excited about the project.

Keep looking. It's overpriced for being a skeleton project with an incorrect engine.

Here's a 1961 on CL that's all correct and done, ready to roll, for $15K more. While not a Panorama I don't think you are going to be able to buy and complete yours for less money, and the Panorama won't outweigh the fact that it has Toyota running gear at resale time... you'll take a very hot bath. The killer will be that the original diesel engine likely will never work with the reconfigured rear end... and if you think you'll cruise the highway at 80 with that vehicle you are in for a nasty shock even if the engine will easily do it. I have a later O309D and it's not exactly stable on curves at top speed of 63.

https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/d/1961-mercedes-benz-0319-mini/6372126129.html

Mercedes people, unlike VW people, will almost always flatly turn and walk away from any Benz with another make of engine/ running gear in it.

Before you say "but I'll never sell it!" please let me warn you that every customer I've ever dealt with who says this winds up doing precisely that.

I appreciate the heads-up on this Craigslist ad.

I actually missed the purchase. It was bought by a German Exporter who was here in the states buying up old cars to ship back to germany.
It was transported from Reno. where he bought it, to Fremont CA, and was going to be loaded on a ship in a couple of days. We haggled and after a week of convincing, he finally sold it to me.
I now have an original complete bus.

Mon Dec 04, 2017 7:14 pm

Very cool, I have always loved them

Tue Dec 05, 2017 12:21 pm

Very cool!

I've got a later Mercedes van from the 70's -- the 206D / Hanomag-Henschel F25. Still quite an in-process project though!

Fri Jan 19, 2018 7:20 pm

Well this restored Mercedes Benz O319 camper conversion did not bring the hundred and $175,000 that they anticipated. It did bring a respectable $145,000. For a non-Panorama version. I have one like this and I also have a 22 window Samba / Panorama version. Both of mine are rust buckets but they're in the process of being restored. Mine will never be this "nut and bolt off chassis" restoration but they should be sweet.
The picture was taken during the auction when the bidding was at $125K.Sold $145,000

Sat Jan 20, 2018 11:09 am

The audible Roar of pleasure from the crowd when this beauty was rolled onto the auction blocks was amazing. It was really the only time I heard the audience even when all those other big beautiful magnificent cars were being sold. None of them had the response from the crowd of the light as when this Mercedes o319 was pushed up onto the blocks

Wed Feb 07, 2018 10:57 pm

With the auction fee that they tack on that bus sold at the Sotheby's auction was actually $162,000.

My restoration is getting closer to completion everyday

Mon Jul 02, 2018 10:35 pm

Mon Jul 02, 2018 10:38 pm

Tue Jul 03, 2018 3:21 am

Saw one of these with the most beautiful period camper interior once. Was all teak and leather. Wish I had a phone at the time. Anyone got interior photos from a camper conversion?

Wed Jan 30, 2019 5:34 pm

I still have the trim, seats, and windows to install but here is a video of my Mercedes o319 restoration thus far.

Thu Mar 28, 2019 4:41 pm

Are we allowed to post non-VWs on the classified section of this forum?
I ran out of money and probably will not get to my 22 window panorama 3 door Mercedes o319 bus.
It is so unique. I just scrolled through the classified ads here and there are litterally HUNDREDS of VW buses for sale. Let alone all those on the road.
I supose for every 10,000 VW buses in the US maybe there are 10 of these on the road here.
My project bus is stipped and media blasted. All kinds of new parts, rubber door and window seals, sheet metal/body parts, step-ups, etc.
I might keep the original engine to go with my restored o319 non-panorama, that I put a Toyota 20R engine in. But I do have a low milage 110 HP Mercedes M115/W115 gas engine and automatic transmission I will include if anyone is interested.

Thu Mar 28, 2019 4:49 pm

Sitting Duck wrote: Are we allowed to post non-VWs on the classified section of this forum?
Only in Trades and only if you follow the Trade Rules.
So it cannot be only for sale for $, you must be trading for a VW

Thu Mar 28, 2019 5:39 pm

EverettB wrote: Sitting Duck wrote: Are we allowed to post non-VWs on the classified section of this forum?
Only in Trades and only if you follow the Trade Rules.
So it cannot be only for sale for $, you must be trading for a VW

Thank you for the info. I wanted to make sure I was following the rules.

Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:39 pm

Finally finished fully restoring my 1961 Mercedes Benz o319 omnibus 15 passenger 16 seat

Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:49 pm

That is super cool!, nice work! 8)

Mon Aug 12, 2019 4:49 pm

What goes in the extra seat?

Mon Aug 12, 2019 6:42 pm

calvinater wrote: What goes in the extra seat?

My ass

I can take 15 passengers with me.

Tue Aug 13, 2019 5:10 am

Sitting Duck wrote: calvinater wrote: What goes in the extra seat?

My ass

I can take 15 passengers with me.
In style!

Tue Aug 13, 2019 8:59 am

It looks gorgeous.