Mercedes-Benz L 206 D | Classic Van Test Drive

A 300 SL Roadster here, a Pagoda there and, over there, a 280 right next to a 190 SL. Strolling across the field where the 2016 Paul Pietsch Classic Car Rally is being held, you come across well-known icons of automotive history. In normal road traffic, these were the icons that never failed to turn heads. But there’s another vehicle here which is attracting all the attention: the L 206 D. During the rally, which takes 115 classic cars straight through the Black Forest, the charm of this midsize van, which became affectionately known as “Sparbrummer” (good runner), was more than evident. This journey is a dream come true for the driving pair of Paul-Janosch Ersing and Bernd-Wilfried Kiessler as it’s rare to find an L 206 D in such an impeccable condition these days. Built from the bones of three Harburg Transporters, the restored vehicle demonstrates just what made it stand out back in its heyday – the indestructible two-litre diesel engine with 60 horsepower, the robust chassis and, of course, the front-wheel drive. Finally, the L 206 D was a true favourite among tradesmen due to the universal loading area which was a real novelty in the sector. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Check out Mercedes-Benz Vans on Social Media: #Mercedes