DFW Car & Toy Museum Acquires Rare 1960 Mercedes-Benz Binz Kombiwagen for Ron Sturgeon Collection

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has enhanced its Ron Sturgeon Collection with the acquisition of a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190b Binz Kombiwagen, representing one of only 349 examples converted by the prestigious German coachbuilder Binz between 1958 and 1961. This automotive rarity demonstrates the museum's commitment to preserving significant vehicles that highlight Texas's growing reputation as a destination for automotive enthusiasts and collectors.

The vehicle's distinctive Salmon (SW) exterior houses a robust 1.9-liter inline-four engine paired with a column-shifted four-speed manual transmission, both recently overhauled during refurbishment to ensure reliable performance. The mechanical components include factory double-wishbone front suspension and single-joint rear axle suspension with coil springs, complemented by four-corner drum brakes that provide authentic stopping power characteristic of vehicles from this period.

Inside the cabin, the Mercedes-Benz maintains its original authenticity with Tobacco MB-Tex vinyl upholstery, matching door panels, gray molded rubber floor liners, and classic woodgrain accents along the dashboard. Thoughtful details include vent windows, polished rear door pulls, a locking glove box, and a period-correct Becker Mexico radio, all showcasing the craftsmanship Mercedes-Benz was known for during this golden era of automotive design.

The true significance of the Binz conversion lies in its functional innovations, featuring a split-opening tailgate and liftgate, a forward-folding rear bench that creates a flat extended load surface, and an enclosed storage compartment beneath the floor. These practical elements made the Kombiwagen as useful for daily tasks as it was luxurious for transportation, representing a unique blend of elegance and utility rarely seen in postwar European vehicles.

The driving experience is framed by a two-spoke steering wheel with a chrome horn ring, while VDO instrumentation and a 100-mph speedometer provide the nostalgic charm characteristic of vehicles from this period. As part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190b Binz Kombiwagen serves as a tribute to the ingenuity of custom coachbuilding and the enduring appeal of German automotive engineering.

The museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, offers visitors the opportunity to view this rare vehicle alongside other automotive icons in its 150,000 square foot facility. More information about the museum and its collections can be found at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. This acquisition strengthens Texas's position in the automotive museum landscape and provides educational opportunities for visitors to appreciate automotive history and innovation.