1968 Mercedes-Benz 200D OM621 Diesel Fintail

1968 Mercedes-Benz 200D OM621 Diesel Fintail 4 Speed Manual

This 1968 200D has been in my possession for over 28 years.  I rescued it from a small rural airstrip in 1998, it has been a long-term project and a great road trip vehicle.  It is an exceptionally reliable, honest machine that has been kept in tip top shape.

Condition & Build

• The Body: This car is rust free & was stripped to bare metal in 2001 for a professional paint job in Dodge Viper GTS Blue. No replacement panels or thick filler were used. The paint is 25 years old and remains deep and glossy.
• The Interior: Seats and headliner were professionally recovered during the restoration. I installed black carpeting over the original heavy duty interior. All original dash features work, including the iconic "Gorilla Knob" pull-to-start sequence.
• Drivetrain: Reliable OM621 2.0L diesel that gets nearly 30 MPG. I recently performed a drivetrain refresh including a new clutch, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, and all new hydraulic lines and cylinders (Master & Slave).
• Wheels: Updated to 15" Chrome Mercedes wheels and heavy duty tires. It maintains the factory rolling diameter of the original 13s but handles the road much better.
• Driving lights: Installed a set of super rare extremely bright Bosch driving lights with custom made light covers that work great for night time driving.

Drivability

This car is fully sorted for long-distance travel and can be driven anywhere. I have frequently taken it on trips of 1,000 miles or more. It performs great on the interstate or back roads and has been 100% reliable. It has the expected very minor oil drips of a 60-year-old diesel, but it does not leave puddles or have anything needing attention.
Documentation: Included with the sale is the original paperwork from the car’s arrival in the United States, including the shipping documents ("the boat ride over") and the original owner's manuals, maps, seat belt information etc.

Honest Details & Quirks

I have maintained this car to a high standard every 50 hours, but vintage German diesels require the following:

• Injection Pump: This is a separate oil system from the engine. Diesel naturally dilutes this oil over time. I meticulously change the pump oil separately to keep the plungers healthy and prevent failure.
• Heater: I installed a manual ball-valve under the hood. The factory valves are prone to sticking open and  this is a bulletproof fix. You turn it on for winter and off for summer.
• Operation: You have to know the starting process, glow plugs first, then the pull knob. Once you learn the sequence it will fire right up every time no matter how long it has been.
• Odometer: The odometer does not work I use an hour meter to track maintenance.

Summary

This is a rare opportunity to own a rust free nice Mercedes Fintail. It is a solid, honest, classic ready for its next owner. I am only selling because I am unable to use this vehicle like I did in the past and would like to offer someone the same experience.
Located in Cambridge, Idaho.