Hello, fellow vintage car lovers! My name is Pedro Miguel, and I’m thrilled to share the story of my unique 1966 Mercedes-Benz Universal from my home here in Santarém, Portugal. This isn’t just any classic Mercedes; it’s a coachbuilt 200D, a fascinating conversion based on the Heckflosse (Fintail) sedan.
What makes this 1966 Mercedes so special? Well, it was crafted by the Belgian firm IMA over half a century ago, back in 1966. IMA, known for their conversions before their unfortunately short lifespan, transformed a stripped-down Fintail into this stunning station wagon, or as they officially called it, a “Universal.” This wasn’t some back-alley modification; IMA worked closely with Mercedes-Benz, possibly as a way for the German giant to gauge interest in a factory-built estate model. The 1960s saw a renewed interest in the estate body style, and Mercedes took note.
Mercedes-Benz provided Fintail shells to various coachbuilders for conversions into different utility vehicles like ambulances and cargo carriers. Like my 1966 Mercedes, many of these conversions received larger 15-inch wheels (up from the standard 13-inch) to handle the increased loads. Some even featured early self-leveling rear suspension systems, though thankfully less complex than those in the luxurious 6.3s and 600s.
While firms like Binz were primarily focused on ambulance conversions using Fintail chassis, IMA aimed for something more refined with the Universal. This classic 1966 Mercedes was envisioned as a family car, perfect for European holidays, loaded with luggage, picnic baskets, and even the family dog. Many Universals, including mine, featured split-folding rear seats, and some even had a rear-facing third row, a precursor to the trunk seats popularised by Volvo later on.
Being a 200D model, my 1966 Mercedes-Benz is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine. It’s not going to win any races, but it’s incredibly reliable. While acceleration isn’t its forte, it’s perfectly happy cruising at highway speeds all day long. I find immense joy in driving my Universal, whether I’m exploring the city or countryside. It’s more than just a car; it’s an experience, a chance to pilot a rare and significant piece of German automotive history.
