Rare 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190b Binz Kombiwagen Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum Collection
The addition of an exceptionally rare 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190b Binz Kombiwagen to the DFW Car & Toy Museum highlights the historical significance of postwar automotive craftsmanship and custom coachbuilding innovation.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a remarkably rare 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190b Binz Kombiwagen to its Ron Sturgeon Collection, showcasing a unique chapter in automotive history where luxury met practical innovation. One of only 349 examples converted by renowned German coachbuilder Binz between 1958 and 1961, this vehicle represents the pinnacle of postwar automotive craftsmanship and custom coachbuilding ingenuity.
Finished in a distinctive Salmon (SW) color, the 190b features a robust 1.9-liter inline-four engine paired with a column-shifted four-speed manual transmission, recently overhauled during refurbishment to ensure reliable performance. The vehicle's engineering includes factory double-wishbone front suspension and single-joint rear axle suspension with coil springs, complemented by four-corner drum brakes that provide a composed driving experience characteristic of its era.
Inside, the cabin maintains its authentic character with Tobacco MB-Tex vinyl upholstery, matching door panels, gray molded rubber floor liners, and classic woodgrain accents along the dashboard. Thoughtful details such as vent windows, polished rear door pulls, a locking glove box, and a period-correct Becker Mexico radio exemplify the meticulous attention to detail that defined Mercedes-Benz during this golden age of automotive design.
The true innovation of the Binz conversion lies in its functional versatility, featuring a split-opening tailgate and liftgate, a forward-folding rear bench that creates a flat extended load surface, and an enclosed storage compartment beneath the floor. These practical features made the vehicle as useful for daily tasks as it was luxurious for transportation, bridging the gap between premium automotive design and real-world utility.
As part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, this rare vehicle serves as a testament to the historical importance of custom coachbuilding and the enduring legacy of German automotive engineering. The museum, now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, offers visitors the opportunity to experience this and other automotive treasures in its 150,000-square-foot facility with free parking and admission. More information about the museum and its collections can be found at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.