1984 Mercedes 300TD Turbo Diesel Estate Wagon
1-Family Owned, California Car
This is a 1984 Mercedes 300TD Turbo Diesel Estate Wagon, a true workhorse that has proudly earned the Mercedes-Benz Quarter-Million KM Award badge and surpassed that milestone with 267,846 miles. Purchased new by the current owner’s father from Johnson Motors in West Covina, California, on March 21, 1985, this California car still sports its original blue and gold license plates. Finished in original Nitrocellulose Silver Blue Metallic, it was manufactured in February 1984 and has been lovingly maintained, primarily serviced at Rizzoli’s Automotive in San Luis Obispo after the family moved there. The car comes with its original books, manuals, and a complete set of over 40 diesel specialty tools dedicated to its 5-cylinder engine. Notable features include a hand-crank sunroof, a rooftop luggage rack, and a rear kids’ jump seat that folds up from the trunk floor. This TD has a unique history, having once totaled a Toyota Camry that rear-ended it, requiring only minor repairs to its rear bumper shocks and backup lamps—a testament to its tank-like build.
Mechanically, this Mercedes is in strong condition with significant work done to keep it reliable. A new Mercedes factory-blueprinted long block was installed around 150,000 miles ago after an oil drain plug mishap by Jiffy Lube. Recent upgrades include a new master brake cylinder, rebuilt main mechanical fuel pump, upgraded heater primer pump, rebuilt EGR valve, restored vacuum throttle-linked valve, and restored “Enterprise” pollution valve. The car also has new drive shaft flexible couplers, universal joints, rear brakes, axle boots, front pads, power steering belt, hydrostatic suspension fluid, nitrogen gas “bomb” for suspension, antifreeze, and a new battery. The vacuum system has been thoroughly serviced with new junctions and lines near the power booster. The engine compartment and under-chassis components are very clean, and the car has always run on diesel with a special additive mix (Redline Diesel fuel catalyst, Biocide, Techron, and synthetic 2-cycle oil) for optimal performance. The turbo boost pressure regulator remains untuned but could be adjusted for extra acceleration. The A/C needs charging, but the fan blower and vent controls work well, and a new auxiliary electric heater pump has been installed.
The exterior shows some cosmetic fatigue but retains its charm. The original Nitrocellulose Silver Blue Metallic paint holds strong on the hood and about 70% of the body, though the owner painted over areas to address dings and failed clear coat on the roof and elsewhere, and a full repaint would refresh its look. The chrome-plated aluminum front and rear bumpers are in good condition with intact rubber, and all trim has been straightened. Newer front turn signal lamps, new front and rear wipers, and restored extra-extension Hirschmann antenna with working controls enhance functionality. The car rides on an older set of Cooper Evolution 205/65R15 tires (with about 10,000 miles) mounted on 1990 15” Mercedes alloy wheels; these tires should be replaced due to age, but the original 14” wheels with good tires are included. Special front hood hinges with “extra wide” opening release linkages are operational, and new rear hatch struts make the tailgate easy to open (use caution!).
Inside, the blue Mercedes tough vinyl seating upholstery is in good condition, complemented by original carpet protected by custom carpet floor mats and rubber mats. The rear kids’ jump seat adds versatility. All windows function, with the right-front window regulator recently restored, and the vacuum door locks work perfectly. Seat belts have new re-webbed strapping, and a Pioneer stereo with front-to-rear speaker selection provides solid sound. Some wood trim has been replaced with pleasingly reinvented pieces, and an ABS plastic “dash cap” covers the dashboard. A new ignition key and column lock mechanism have been installed. The hand-crank sunroof operates smoothly, and all vent controls are in good working order. No major interior components are reported as non-functional.
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Call or text Donn with questions, shipping, and financing options or for a link to the hi-resolution photos at 707-332-8331.
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Please note that this vehicle is being sold as-is. We invite you to come and inspect the vehicle in person or arrange for a third-party inspection to ensure it meets your expectations.
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VIN: WDBAB93A5EF015927
