Auction Preview: 2000 Mercedes-Benz E320 ute

What: 2000 Mercedes-Benz E320 dual cab ute

Where: Geared Online auction - California, USA

Who: Gooding & Company

When: 3 – 7 August, 2020

US request

It may seem a little surprising, but the vehicle featured was not produced as a concept with the Australian market in mind, nor was it the result of a local enthusiast with big dreams and deep pockets. While born in Germany, this creation was actually conceived in the United States. As a pickup with luxury and style, this machine arguably has no equal.

Based on a 2000-model E320 station wagon with the 3.2-litre V6 engine (new on the W210 / E Class and a Mercedes-Benz first), the conversion to a dual cab ute was commissioned by a Mercedes-Benz dealership in the US – presumably a dry state as the body appears rust-free and in outstanding condition. The reason why it was commissioned is unknown, but judging by its appearance, it did little work hauling parts for the dealership!

Built by Binz

Completed by Mercedes-Benz as a standard station wagon, the E320 was shipped to Binz Karosserie for the conversion.

Based in Lorch (close to Stuttgart in southern Germany), Binz have an association with Mercedes-Benz stretching back more than 60 years. Before Mercedes started producing station wagons in-house, they had Binz build them, as well as ambulances, hearses, limousines, and yes, utes.

A handful of 1950s and ‘60s-era Binz ambulances and utes can be found in Australia, including an ambulance that originally served in the Kimberley and has been undergoing restoration in the ACT.

Binz’s build of this particular E320-based dual cab ute cost almost US$50,000 above the initial purchase price of the car, which would have been around US$48,000 in 2000.

To incorporate a ute tub, Binz stretched the wagon’s wheelbase by 29 inches (736mm) and fabricated the bodywork and a fully lined pickup bed behind the rear seats. The conversion was completed with such quality and attention to detail that it has the appearance of a factory creation.

The custom-made bed features an aluminium checkerplate floor with an integral, functional tailgate and is bordered by brushed stainless steel rails. A neat feature is the retention of the wagon’s rear window, which be opened for easy access to the passenger compartment from the ute tub.

The pickup’s interior is described by Gooding & Co. as being in excellent condition throughout. Front passenger area is mostly stock, but in the rear passenger area, the factory bench seat has been replaced with individual bucket seats, separated by a cut-down centre console.

Further interior amenities include automatic climate control, in-dash navigation and numerous power accessories.

The engine bay is described as being particularly clean and belies the 21,500 miles indicated on the odometer. Accompanied by manuals and a (US) CARFAX Vehicle History Report, this custom Mercedes-Benz is ready to work for its next owner.

Aussie Hurdles

While it would be a standout machine at the Deni Ute Muster, or anywhere in Australia really, local enthusiasts should be aware that this particular ute is only 20 years old. As such, it falls outside the 30-years-and-older requirement for LHD vehicle use in most states (Northern Territory and Tasmania are the exceptions). However, before it gets to that point, it would have to meet the federal government’s pre-1989 import rule for LHD vehicles: a rule that states such vehicles must be “largely unmodified,” too. So where does that leave a vehicle like this, given it’s an MY00 build, obviously modified, but is also a factory-approved Mercedes-Benz?

Should it be approved for import to Australia (unlikely), an RHD conversion would almost certainly be required to legally drive it here. But as mentioned earlier, if you’ve got big dreams and deep pockets, you could find a way to make this all-German ute an Aussie roadgoing reality.

Geared Online – online only

Gooding & Company has responded to the global shift in the classic and collectable car auction landscape by introducing ‘Geared Online,’ which takes place from 3 to 7 August, 2020.

Geared Online marks new territory for the American auction house, with the sale to be conducted exclusively online and bidding closing over a staggered schedule for the five days’ duration. 

While the auction will be an online-only affair, there will be opportunities for bidders to see the cars in the metal, with consignments gathered for individual inspection, subject to public gathering limits and social distancing protocols.

A range of classic and modern collectables are up for grabs, including a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL, 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2, 1992 Ferrari F40, 1995 Ferrari F50 and 2003 Ferrari Enzo.

For more details, go to https://www.goodingco.com/

 Images: Mike Maez, copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company