While working on a new toilet project at a friend’s farm in Bavaria, an advertisement for a Mercedes 911 truck caught my eye. The iconic Mercedes trucks from the 1960s have always held a special appeal, and recalling the impressive Mercedes 1113 truck owned by Martin and Peggy, whom I met on the Canary Islands, further piqued my interest. Their spacious mobile home sparked a thought: perhaps more room than my current compact van offered was desirable.
Though not actively seeking a new vehicle, the allure of seeing a Mercedes 911 in person and meeting its owner was too strong to resist. I decided to take a look.
The truck was undeniably cool, as was its owner, who kindly offered a test ride since I lacked the appropriate license. The driving experience was a stark contrast to my van. The turning radius was immense, and piloting such a large vehicle felt like a significant undertaking. Surprisingly, despite the truck’s overall size advantage, the driver’s cabin felt more confined than my van’s interior. The steering wheel was enormous, yet other elements seemed smaller, particularly the side mirrors. Maneuvering this truck appeared far more challenging than parking my van, which could fit into almost any standard parking space.
Despite the handling differences, I was captivated. The driving experience was enjoyable, but the real highlight was the expansive space in the rear. The cabin measured approximately 2.3 meters wide and 5 meters long – over 10 square meters compared to my van’s 6 square meters. The living area felt incredibly spacious, akin to a small apartment.
However, a closer look revealed this particular Mercedes 911 wasn’t the right fit. While the interior was reasonably constructed, it didn’t align with my specific needs. A quick inspection revealed areas of rust and oil leaks, indicating considerable maintenance requirements. Ultimately, the condition, price, and my personal requirements didn’t align. Despite realizing this truck wasn’t for me, I continued chatting with the seller. Leaving, I knew this Mercedes truck wasn’t the one, and I questioned whether trading my van’s driving ease for a larger living space was the right move. Nevertheless, the encounter ignited a deeper interest in these Mercedes trucks, prompting further research.
Berlin Encounters and Shifting Perspectives
Mid-September brought another trip to Berlin to visit family and friends. It seemed Mercedes trucks were becoming a recurring theme.
While cycling through the city after work, I spotted several more of these trucks.
The more I considered these trucks, the stronger the urge to try owning one grew. I knew maintaining two classic vehicles simultaneously wasn’t feasible. Acquiring a truck would likely mean parting ways with my beloved Mercedes 508D van, a thought that was initially unsettling. I cherished my Mercedes 508, which had always seemed like the perfect van: compact yet accommodating, featuring a shower, kitchen, bed, wood-burning stove, table, seating, storage, and even a toilet.
My van had always been my benchmark for the ideal vehicle. But perfection is elusive. While my van excelled in maneuverability and parking, its compact size had drawbacks. Sleeping comfortably required converting the seating area into a bed each night, and while the pillows were adequate, they couldn’t match the comfort of a permanent mattress. The shower cabin was functional, but required removing the toilet beforehand. Storage space also became limited when hosting guests for extended periods. For over four years, I had adapted to living in 6 square meters. However, the Munich truck experience highlighted the significant difference more space could offer.
The Decision and the Search for a Mercedes 1113
After countless nights weighing the pros and cons of truck ownership, I decided to take the plunge. Motivated by a new project, I reasoned that if a truck proved unsuitable, I could always revert to my van.
Extensive research led to a clear vision of my ideal truck: a Mercedes 1113 powered by the OM352 engine, ideally turbocharged, equipped with single rear tires, on-demand four-wheel drive, and possessing the necessary documentation for classic motorhome registration. Crucially, minimal rust and sound mechanical condition were essential. Cabin specifics were less critical – whether bare, poorly designed, or well-suited, I was prepared to adjust, factoring cabin condition into the price.
Defining these criteria streamlined my search. Just days later, an advertisement for a 1969 Mercedes 1113, located north of Berlin, appeared.
The truck was undeniably massive. Its tires dwarfed those of the 911 in Munich. My van seemed like a toy parked beside it.
Initially, the large alcove above the driver’s cabin gave me pause. Was it too bulky? Unattractive?
Upon closer inspection, my reservations faded. The alcove didn’t appear disproportionate, and the overall aesthetic seemed balanced. The alcove’s added 3.5 square meters for a permanent bed was a significant advantage, freeing up the rear cabin’s 10 square meters for a proper bathroom, kitchen, living, and workspace. Constructed from wood, the alcove could even be removed if desired.
The interior was basic: a wood stove, cupboard, and a counter with a gas cooker and sink.
The wall cladding was unremarkable, and there was no bathroom, table, electrical system, solar panels, or water system. This simplicity was appealing, meaning I wouldn’t pay for unwanted features and could customize the cabin to my exact preferences. The sense of space inside was remarkable – it felt less like a vehicle and more like a small apartment. I was truly impressed.
The alcove offered another benefit: it shielded the driver’s cabin and chassis from weather exposure, despite years of outdoor parking. The substantial chassis clearance also ensured excellent ventilation beneath the wooden cabin. The truck’s technical condition impressed me.
This 52-year-old truck, 17 years older than my van, appeared remarkably well-preserved. Rust was minimal and easily manageable. Technical inspection suggested diligent maintenance – far superior to the 911 I had seen in Munich.
Securing the Mercedes 1113 and the Journey Home
The seller was personable and we connected immediately, spending hours in conversation. He had acquired the truck from a friend who originally converted it from a firetruck into a mobile home. Invoices and extensive documentation detailed the original owner’s investments in the truck. The base vehicle seemed like a true find. The seller had owned it for only a year before the pandemic disrupted his plans, limiting his ability to care for it. While the base vehicle was in excellent shape, the wooden cabin needed a new paint job. Given my intention to renovate the cabin anyway, this was inconsequential. My focus was on the exceptional base vehicle.
The deal was quickly made. Suddenly, I was the proud owner of a Mercedes 1113. Excitement surged.
Transporting the Truck from Berlin to Bavaria
Still lacking the proper license, I spent another two weeks near Berlin in my van until my father could assist in transporting the truck 700km to my friends’ farm in Bavaria, where the transformation project could begin.
On a bright Saturday, we embarked on the journey, driving two vintage Mercedes vehicles across Germany.
Periodic stops allowed for mechanical checks, ensuring everything remained in good order.
Late that night, we arrived at the Bavarian farm without incident.
The next morning, seeing the “big brother” parked beside my van was amusing.
Overjoyed and energized, I was eager to commence this exciting new project!
