1980 Mercedes-Benz 300D Wagon Rare 4-Speed Penny Start Low Reserve!

Vehicle Description

Up for sale is a wonderful and rare factory 4-speed manual 1980 300D wagon. I don’t know the history but I speculate that this was a Euro market car imported to the US and federalized at some point - given clues like the manual trans, cloth rear seats, no-A/C, US bumpers with Euro headlights.

Mechanically excellent, the OM617 5-cylinder diesel fires up every time and runs like a Swiss watch. The 4-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly through all gears. Recent work includes a new clutch, clutch slave cylinder, oil change and diesel purge performed with fresh lines and filters. One of the rear axle boots is torn and will need attention down the line. Has been a great daily driver for me. Has a good set of tires. See the attached start-up and running video.

The body is in decent overall condition. There are areas of rust, which I’ve done my best to photograph - but nothing widespread or structural, just the typical rusty patches that afflict many of these vehicles. The vacuum door locks do not function, and the heating system needs attention. All windows roll up and down without issue. Rear hatch does not lock. Mostly original paint throughout, although the hood was likely repainted at some point. A new hood insulation pad was recently installed. Paint has decent shine throughout, but is showing its age as spotting and crazing. Small bumps and dings here and there. I think of it as having a very nice vintage patina.

The interior presents very nicely, with good blue MB Tex seats up front. Cloth rear seat in good shape, some spots of wear, but they fold up and down as intended. Cracks evident on dashboard. Trim vinyl peeling in spots. Good headliner. Has the rear jump seat, but not sure of the functionality as I never used it. Instrument cluster has a minor crack in the plexiglas face but otherwise functions perfectly.

In all, this wagon has lived up to its reputation as a tough reliable vehicle, even after 40+ years of service it still drives as a vintage Mercedes should and is my preferred vehicle for around town and local trips. I am sad to see it go, but there are too many vehicles in my stable. It has served me faithfully without a single hiccup, and while there should be no expectation of a flawless car, I anticipate that given the great mechanical condition, it will continue to serve as a driving and enduring example of a vehicle that was built at a time when cars were made to last.

Sold as-is, where-is in West Hills, CA 91307. I can help coordinate with your trucking company. Payment by wire or cash. Deposits non-refundable. Clean CA title in my name on hand.

For CA buyers, no smog check required, registered through Oct 2025.