The 1967 Mercedes-Benz O319: A Beast of Burden with a Soul (Engine, Technically)
Ah, 1967. The year of Summer of Love, the release of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and... the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz O319. Now, some might scoff at the idea of a truck being exciting, but trust me, the O319 wasn't your average lumbering behemoth. This was a machine that roared into the world with a Teutonic purpose, ready to conquer any road, mountain pass, or desert it encountered.Born from Necessity: A Legacy Takes Shape
The O319 wasn't some marketing ploy dreamt up in a Stuttgart boardroom. It was a response to a need. Post-war Europe was booming, and with it came a surge in demand for reliable, powerful trucks. Mercedes-Benz, already renowned for their precision engineering and luxury automobiles, decided to turn their attention to the workhorse side of the equation.
The O319 was the culmination of that vision. Borrowing heavily from the successful L 311 model, it boasted a robust chassis, a comfortable (for the time) cab, and the crown jewel: a monstrous OM 352 engine. This diesel behemoth churned out 130 horsepower, a staggering figure for the era. Imagine the envious glances from your fellow truckers as you effortlessly climbed hills they were struggling with!
A Jack of All Trades, Master of Most
The O319 wasn't a one-trick pony. Its modular design allowed for a wide range of configurations. Need a sturdy hauler for lumber? Slap on a flatbed. Longing to deliver delicate furniture across state lines? Opt for the enclosed van option. The O319 was the ultimate Swiss Army knife of the trucking world, ready for any task thrown its way.
Not All Work and No Play
While the O319 was a workhorse at heart, it wasn't devoid of a certain charm. The boxy lines, the prominent Mercedes-Benz star on the grille, and the throaty growl of the engine all contributed to a certain, well, handsomeness. It wasn't a Ferrari, but for a truck driver, the O319 was the closest thing to a knight's steed.
A Global Citizen: The O319 Conquers the World
The O319 wasn't content with just dominating European roads. It set its sights on the entire globe. From the scorching deserts of Africa to the frozen tundra of Siberia, the O319 proved its mettle. It became a familiar sight on dusty African trails, a reliable partner for hauling supplies across war-torn landscapes, and a symbol of progress in developing nations.
The Legacy Lives On
Production of the O319 ceased in 1985, but its legacy lives on. It paved the way for future Mercedes-Benz truck models, and countless O319s are still chugging along today, testaments to the quality and durability that went into their construction.
Today, spotting a well-maintained 1967 O319 at a vintage car show is a treat. It's a reminder of a simpler time, when trucks were built to last, and a sense of adventure was just a diesel engine and a good map away.
Fun Facts:
- The O319 was nicknamed the "Bremer" in Germany, after the city of Bremen where it was first produced.
- Some O319s were even converted into firetrucks, proving their versatility.
- Owning a restored O319 today is a surefire way to turn heads at car shows (and maybe get propositioned by lumberyard owners looking for a reliable hauler).
So, the next time you see a big rig rumbling down the highway, remember the 1967 Mercedes-Benz O319. It wasn't just a truck; it was a symbol of an era, a testament to German
I have a rare classic microbus, a 1967 Mercedes Benz with a custom seat set up. This model came in 10, 17, and 18-seat versions and had different specifications as options. Only 961 of these vehicles were made, and this is one of them. Originally, they were used by motels, resorts, airlines, and big businesses.
Unfortunately, very few of these vehicles have survived to this day. Many were purchased by motels and airlines, which then traded them in for newer models in the late 60s and early 70s. It's said that many of them had their seats removed and were sold as plain vans or converted into campervans. Most of the European-based examples have rusted away or rotted, leaving very few left today.
This 1967 Mercedes Benz microbus is the last generation of the series. It comes equipped with a custom interior featuring 15 seats, panorama windows, and a roof rack similar to the Samba Bus. It has a 4-cylinder diesel engine with 46 HP and a top speed of approximately 50 mph. It was built in 1966.
Restoring this vehicle would cost between 3000 to 5000 euros, in addition to requiring a lot of love, labor, and parts.
Sources:
- Mercedes-Benz Trucks website (for general information on Mercedes-Benz trucks)
- Oldtimer Truck website (for information on classic Mercedes-Benz trucks, in German)
- Commercial Motor magazine article on the O319 [invalid URL removed] (for a historical perspective on the O319)
Photo by M. Gloger, Source by www.autobild.de