This 1972 Mercedes-Benz O309D is said to have spent time in Africa before being imported to the US, and it spent time in California before it was sold on BaT in October 2023. Finished in blue over beige vinyl, the van is powered by a 3.8-liter diesel inline-four paired with a five-speed manual transmission. It also features a chrome rear bumper, panoramic windows, rear barn doors, a dually rear axle, 16″ wheels, and a ceiling vent. Work performed under previous ownership involved overhauling the brake system, installing outdoor-style seating in the rear passenger area, and replacing the windshield, carpets, and batteries. This O309D is offered at no reserve on dealer consignment with a California title.
The O309D was introduced in the late 1960s as a bus variant of the Mercedes-Benz Düsseldorfer series of vans. This example is finished in blue, and details include a chrome rear bumper, panoramic windows, orange-finished car-style mirrors, and rear barn doors. The windshield was replaced under previous ownership. Areas of rust and bubbling are visible on the body, the weatherstripping is cracked, and the driving lights are inoperative. Poor paint quality is reported on the roof, and evidence of previous repairs is visible on the right-rear body panel.
Blue-finished 16″ steel wheels are wrapped in Bluestar ST-627 tires up front and Pac Star DC902 tires out back. Stopping power is from four-wheel drum brakes that were reportedly overhauled under previous ownership, at which time they were modified with a stainless-steel booster piston and cylinder sleeves.
The forward compartment houses a single driver’s seat trimmed in beige vinyl upholstery, and it is complemented by color-coordinated carpeting and door panels as well as a black dashboard. Features include sliding side windows, a shoulder belt, a heater, and a storage cubby. The turn signals do not self-cancel, a red warning light on the dash illuminates intermittently, and the radio and air conditioner do not work.
The fixed seating in the rear passenger area has been replaced with outdoor-style furniture, and two storage chests are housed in the cargo area.
A two-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a 70-mph VDO speedometer and auxiliary gauges. The six-digit odometer shows 157k miles, a few of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The 3.8-liter diesel inline-four sends power to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission and a dually rear axle. The batteries were replaced under current ownership. The electric fuel pump leaks, and the condition of the fuel in the auxiliary fuel tank is unknown. Oil leaks are also noted.
Corrosion is visible on underside components, and additional underbody photos can be viewed in the gallery below.
