SG, the big question is where and how the car will be driven......

If you're located where its all long haul stuff with point-to-point being 50+ miles without alot of city stuff - then the bathtub Benz 190D will deliver an honest and trouble-free 38mpg forever. And it's probly the most comfortable and lovable car you'll ever own, assuming you dont need air conditioning and you dont mind driving the slowest vehicle on the road........ Kindo cool actually once you get used to it - Knowing you're driving the tortoise that beats the haire for economy and efficiency.

Otherwise rare and endangered parts for that model include hydraulic drum brake cylinders, clutch pressure plate, kingpin kits and column shift bushings. The rest is easy - the '59 190D shares alternator, starter motor, tie-rods, glow plugs and injectors with 4 cylinder diesels that followed for another 20 yrs.

Yes, there are "specialist" forums in our useful Vintage Links Folder including one helluva fine Pontoon website that can psyche you up. Meanwhile welcome to the hub where Vintage MB owners meet.