Highlights
- Rare 17-seat O319 bus with coach-built Carrosserie Desot bodywork
- Very low mileage and highly preserved and original
- First delivered to a Belgian sugar factory for worker shuttle service
- Always stored indoors and used for historic rallies
- Purchased and serviced by renowned Belgian classic car specialist in 2020
The Appeal
Whenever it rained, there was always an upside for the workers of a certain Belgian sugar factory - the chance to take a ride in this magnificent 0319 coachbuilt bus. Built in 1962 and then constructed by Carosserie Desot in Gits, Belgium, it went into service with the factory from 1968, ferrying staff fromthe car park to the factory door.
In 1975 it was acquired by a private buyer, subsequently passing to a well-known Belgian classic car dealer in 2020. He undertook a check over and full service. The battery was replaced as were the brake shoes and master cylinder. It has been used for historic rallies and garaged when not on the road.
Little used throughout its life and since that work, it presents now in lovely condition. There is a gentle patina to the cream and orange bodywork and the 17-seat interior, but arguably those signs of age merely add to its character.
The ‘O’ version of Mercedes’ highly rated 319 was produced in small number, making this survivor particularly desirable. With its versatile interior and evocative styling, this would be a great buy for any collector, or has obvious commercial potential.
The vendor says:
“In original condition throughout and with its Carrosserie coach-built bodywork in excellent shape, this O319 is a true rarity from the ‘miracle on the Rhine’ and an excellent survivor from post-war Germany. This particular example has always been stored indoors and is in perfect original condition. used for historic rallies.
A completely original, in near perfect condition with no mechanical faults whatsoever.”
History and Paperwork
- Factory built in 1962 according to vendor and chassis plate
- Bodywork coachbuilt by Carosserie Desot in Gits, Belgium
- First registered in 1968
- Delivered new to a Belgian sugar factory where it was used as a worker shuttle
- Purchased by a private owner in 1975
- Acquired by a renowned Belgian classic car specialist and dealer in 2020
- Servicing in 2020 including a new battery, new brake shoes, and new master cylinders
- Used for historic rallies by previous keeper
- Currently registered in Ireland with registration number ZV37920
- Always stored indoors we are told
The vendor says:
“This particular O319 was first registered in 1968, and was delivered new to a sugar factory in Belgium, who used this 17-seat example for car park shuttles to transport workers to the office in the rain. As a result, this example has covered far less mileage and has enjoyed a far easier life than many O319’s in commercial use, which goes a long way towards explaining the excellent condition of the bodywork and mechanicals.
“Following its use in the sugar factory, it was purchased by a private owner in 1975.
“Purchased by a well-renowned classic car specialist and dealer based in Belgium in 2020 they and carried out a service and fitted a new battery along with new brake shoes and master cylinders.”
The Condition
- Evocative and largely original 0319 in cream with orange highlights
- Paintwork and and bodywork in good order with light age to note
- Exterior fittings including chromework original and with light patina
- Sits on black wheels with Goodyear tyres showing sidewall age
- Underside as shown in photos
- Versatile 17-seat interior in good order with some age as shown
- Bench seats with folding centre seats and front passenger seat
- Veneer-effect sidewall trim to interior and patterned flooring
- Smart dashboard with some light age to trim as shown
- Vinyl rear seat and fabric driver’s seat
The Mechanics
- 4-cylinder OM621 diesel engine
- Manual transmission
- Engine appears to be in good working order we are told
- The vendor reports the bus runs well and starts readily
- Mechanical attention in 2020 including new brake shoes and master cylinders
- New battery fitted in 2020
- The vendor states there are no mechanical faults
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