Retro Van Life Road Trip (Part 1): Original 1962 Mercedes L319D Camper Conversion

The Mercedes Benz L319D was the original commercial van serving post-war Germany through to the mid 60s and was the genesis of what has evolved to become the modern Sprinter van. In this video, we acquire a 1962 L319D that was originally purchased at the Mercedes factory in Stuttgart by a German couple. Two years later, we believe the couple took the van to Westfalia, where it was converted into a Camper Van. The couple later immigrated to the U.S. in the early 70s and had their beloved L319D imported to join them.
Follow along in this video as we meet the '62 L319D for the first time, get to know its features and capabilities, and take it on the longest journey of its life on over 1,000 miles of back roads as we travel from Los Angeles to bring the van back to its new home in Portland, Oregon.

[@duanetrivett750]

This is the best quality antique on the road ! I would love to own this machine. The older M.B. vehicles are such quality. This is a collector item on wheels and I mean this in the most Respectful way.
Good luck on the journey .

[@CruisingInClassics]

@@duanetrivett750 Thanks so much for watching and for your comment. Hope you get a chance to watch all the episodes in the Mercedes L319D series. You're so right about the quality and craftsmanship that went into vehicles from this era. We've got some big drive train restoration projects for the Mercedes Van planned for this winter and we hope to share our progress with more videos!

[@duanetrivett750]

@@CruisingInClassics
Thank you for the reply and update on the M.B. I will be with you the entire journey.

[@raymundoorellana9862]

Mercedes benz indestructible 319 una joya 💎 👌 ❤❤❤

[@pessia61]

Hey! It was great to talk to you today at C&C (I had the green 1800). Love the van. What a gem. - Perry

[@CruisingInClassics]

Absolutely loved your "Dark Green" 1800 Perry. Enjoyed our chat very much. Thanks for checking out the Van. Hope to see you again soon!

[@aduako7]

As a Mercedes 190D Ponton owner, I approve of this van.❤

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching and your Approval! The Ponton and the L319D share the same Mercedes Diesel engine. A true workhorse that won't set any land speed records but will keep chugging along relentlessly. #KeepDriving !

[@thecuxican]

David, thanks for coming to C&C. LOVED your Mercedes. I love it when I see something I have never heard of. The stories you shared are great too. It is what brings us all together in the car world.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks so much Al. Completely agree with you on how it's the stories associated with these rigs that make them so special. Look forward to seeing you at more upcoming events! #KeepDriving

[@calfolk7381]

I love it 👍

[@koehlerm86]

t's so nice to see that you still have a 319 on the continent.
I have one myself and so does my dad. We are in a club here in Germany and help each other with questions all over Europe. That makes things a lot easier.
Greetings from near the birthplace of your 319

[@CruisingInClassics]

Danke for your comment! I would love to connect with you and your Club. It is very difficult for us to find parts, so it would be great to speak with you. Can you let me know how best to contact you? My email address is: [e-mail]

[@predragv.365]

Fantastic van. 👍

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@jeremieobert8752]

I have followed this sale on bat 😊

[@CruisingInClassics]

Hope you will continue to follow this Mercedes L319D Van here on this channel. Thanks for your comment and #KeepDriving !

[@elborikua951]

That rack looks to be big enough for a dirt bike.

[@CruisingInClassics]

You're right, it definitely could!