Wow, my all time favorite a Mercedes Mini Bus.
and N O ! it does not have 319 windows. (read below)
This model here distinguishes itself from the "serial" version in that respect that it has a weird window arrangement not usually seen.
It is not as pretty though, too many small windows.
AND NO it does not have 319 windows (from the german title).
It is mini, because at 16 feet they really don't take up more space (Parking spot) than regular Mercedes Sedan from that era.
Also Mercedes built (to this day) FULL size buses for public transportation or for long distance travel.
They are incredible agile and have a turn circle most compact cars could just dream of (30 ! feet).
This model here distinguishes itself from the "serial" version in that respect that it has a weird window arrangement not usually seen.
It is not as pretty though, too many small windows.
AND NO it does not have 319 windows (from the german title). more explanation below.
How do I know ?
My brother and I had one in the early 80 ies and drove it from Germany to Northern Italy to play on the Tennis satellite tour. It was converted into a camper.
Most guys there had VW buses and we had this huge Mercedes Bus with twice the room and double the gas mileage(35 ! miles per gallon of diesel) . I cannot believe we never took any photos.
It was the coolest thing.
We ended up selling it and to this day I regret that. It still hadsome of the original seating with the fold down emergency seats.
Production numbers are not too clear, but it's estimated about 10,000 buses were built and a very small percentage was actually the "Panorama Bus" version.
319 refers to the model (officially O319(D)) originally equipped with the 1.9 liter gasoline or diesel motors (your choice). The O standing for Omnibus (loose translation: all passenger bus).
I could go on and on.
Well, if interested please log into my blog that I am starting and comment briefly with your e-mail address.
Anybody who has, or even had one, or photos of them (!) or any 319 truck, van or Bus: I would love to hear from you !!
Alex
6point3@gmail.com
