1981 Extra Long Mercedes 508D

For sale – 1981 Extra Long Mercedes 508D

£2,250

Up for offer on here first to enthusiasts before she goes on the dreaded eBay.
For sale is my extra long 1981 508D. RHD. 3.8l engine and manual gearbox.
Downrated by original owner to 3500kg so can be driven on a normal car licence. Properly registered at DVLA as revenue weight 3500kg with body type Motor Caravan recorded on the V5C.
Professionally built from new and fitted out as a camper. The ‘big bum’ boot was installed from new and I think was used by a motor racing team of some sort.
All original appliances and camper furniture remain and are believed to be functional but will need a good clean and service. Van has a separate toilet and shower room, a Carver hot water heater and gas fire.
Rear sofas convert into one big double bed and the two bench seats at the front convert into another double bed so four berth in all.
Wooden floor is good throughout. Original carpet on floor has been stripped out because it was damp caused by a roof leak. My intention was to put down wood laminate but didn’t get that far.
Engine is a really good 3.8l OM314 with manual gearbox. Starts and runs really well. All brakes seem to work ok too. All tyres hold air without leaking but think most or all will need replacing for MOT.
The van hasn’t been on the road since 2012 (last MOT) as was used as a live in vehicle and workshop by a carpenter. I have owned her for almost 2 years and have been restoring various bits over that time sorting out starting and charging issues.
Bad bits/what she needs: some of the bodywork is rough as can be seen in the photos. I have cut back to good metal in some areas but more needs to be done. I believe all panels are available and I can provide contact details of some suppliers.
Chassis is very good in almost all places to my knowledge with the exception of one manky rear outrigger which needs a plate.
Roof also has a number of 1p size holes where damp roof insulation rusted from the inside out. I have removed some of the insulation and ceiling material internally and sealed the leaks with waterproof tape to keep her watertight.
Gutters are really good along both sizes of the van except for right at the back where it needs small repairs both sides, and right at the front where corner mounted lights have caused holes – again, sealed with waterproof tape but will need sorting properly.
The van came with steel sideskirts and rear spoiler. These started to rust and look bad so I have started taking some of this off (you can see how the different sides look in the pictures). The big bum boot will also need a repair across the top of it.
Only selling now as I work away and have not had time to do any work on her for last few months.
Van comes with registration document in my name, original Merc 508D Operating Instructions booklet and original Merc OM314 engine parts booklet.
Next, there is a touchscreen Kenwood stereo installed which I can’t get working. I have bought another two as spares so one good one can be made out of the three!
Finally – date of van first registration was 2nd March 1981 so I think that means she will be tax and MOT exempt next year with the right application to DVLA.
Price is £2,250 for quick sale (although of course she owes me at least twice that).
Really want her to go to an enthusiast to finish the resto. Currently in secure storage on a campsite near Bournemouth and would prefer interested bods to come and see her in the flesh. I had her brought in on a (massive) trailer but now that starting and charging issues are sorted, she can be driven away (suggest to a pre booked MOT and with insurance of course). I can organise for the van to be trailered to wherever at buyers expense (would need destination address/postcode to get quote from shipper)
Van must be collected by Thursday 23rd January 2020.
I’ve probably forgotten lots, but any questions please ask. I will be around Friday/Saturday/Sunday for viewings.