The DFW Car & Toy Museum has acquired a significant piece of automotive history with the addition of a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190b Binz Kombiwagen to the Ron Sturgeon Collection. This vehicle represents an important chapter in automotive design, demonstrating how postwar luxury manufacturers adapted to practical consumer needs through specialized coachbuilding partnerships.
Only 349 examples of the Mercedes-Benz 190b were converted by German coachbuilder Binz between 1958 and 1961, making this particular vehicle exceptionally rare. The Binz conversion transformed the standard Mercedes-Benz sedan into a versatile Kombiwagen (station wagon) while maintaining the brand's signature elegance and engineering excellence. This collaboration between a major manufacturer and specialized coachbuilder illustrates an important transitional period in automotive manufacturing before mass-produced station wagons became commonplace.
The vehicle's technical specifications reflect Mercedes-Benz's commitment to quality engineering during this era. Powered by a 1.9-liter inline-four engine recently overhauled during refurbishment, the car features a column-shifted four-speed manual transmission. The suspension system combines factory double-wishbone front design with single-joint rear axle configuration and coil springs, while braking is handled by four-corner drum brakes. These mechanical components represent the engineering standards that established Mercedes-Benz's reputation for reliability and performance.
Inside, the cabin preserves its original character with Tobacco MB-Tex vinyl upholstery, matching door panels, gray molded rubber floor liners, and classic woodgrain accents along the dashboard. Thoughtful details include vent windows, polished rear door pulls, a locking glove box, and a period-correct Becker Mexico radio. The driving experience is framed by a two-spoke steering wheel with chrome horn ring and VDO instrumentation including a 100-mph speedometer.
The true significance of the Binz conversion lies in its innovative functionality. The vehicle features 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 equally suitable for luxury transportation and utilitarian purposes, bridging the gap between premium automotive design and everyday practicality.
This acquisition is important because it preserves a rare example of coachbuilding craftsmanship during a period when specialized conversions were common but poorly documented. The vehicle's eye-catching Salmon (SW) finish and meticulous preservation make it an educational resource for understanding how automotive manufacturers and coachbuilders collaborated to meet diverse consumer needs before the era of standardized production.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, provides public access to this and other significant automotive artifacts. Visitors can view the Mercedes-Benz 190b Binz Kombiwagen along with the rest of the Ron Sturgeon Collection during regular operating hours Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. More information about the museum and its collections is available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
