Mercedes-Benz L Series Platform with 1991 Freightliner / MB Turbo Diesel

Mike Serpe

Observer
I have a gorgeous and largely original 1979 L Series that is 25k GVWR (anyone can drive it)
It is very solid and has really been looked after since new.
One owner cared for it and logged every service and repair since buying it at Mercedes-Benz North America in 1979.
Comes with all the logs and books, etc.

Makes for excellent, reliable long distance camper platform or overland hauler.
View the following to get an idea of how ridiculous these trucks are in regards to durability.
This was the first truck ever (maybe the last) to be given a 1 million mile guarantee by its manufacturer

Re-powered at Freightliner Oklahoma City using a crate motor from Mercedes Freightliner of Portland
OM352 Diesel with AIR research Turbo
Truck starts up quickly and runs smooth. Interior completely redone a few years back.
Vintage Air A/C added but needs a recharge
8 position seat is comfy and supportive
ZF 5 speed synchro gearbox works nice
Has air assisted brakes with separate front and rear circuits
Tires have very low miles
All original glass
Triple wipers work well

Needs:
I drove this truck several hundred miles about 3 weeks ago, and during this outing I found../

Alternator and batteries were done for, so I replaced all of them with 2 new ones in April 2018 and new Alternator
Original Bosch alternator also included as a core part and another box full of spares.
Under the seat (see pic) is also a bunch of new service filters and factory Mercedes parts (see pics)

I did not get to deal with these items and wanted to disclose fully what I know. I have this truck stored indoors on my friends ranch and this is a long ways away from where I am working right now, so that is the reason I have not attended to the following:

Wiper washer reservoir needs to be hooked back up (all parts included)
has a small dent in front right fender lip (see pic)
has a small area where paint wore off rear cab roof rain gutter (see pic) should be touched up
has a small blemish where paint cracked off (see pic) about 2mm wide, about 2-3" long should be touched up
right door needs handle repaired as it doesn't always work (see pic)
Rear master cylinder needs a new cap, but I just ordered one and will replace before sale is done
Door locks need to be re-keyed
Steering wheel plastic center cap is missing
Brakes bled April 2018 but may need another round in the back.
Oil pressure gauge intermittent. Tested pressure at the motor and its excellent. Did not get into the wiring or gauge yet.
Rear lights were added when cargo box body was recently removed, they are just temporary running lights.
One front leaf spring bracket's grease service zirc is missing


Truck is stored indoors (see pic), which is very rare for a vehicle like this and has always operated in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas area (no rust)
Truck was parts of a fleet but was the only member of the fleet considered to be the owner's special gal, and it shows.
 

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Last edited:

Mike Serpe

Observer
more photo files are available on a dropbox I've set up, just email me
a video is also available

Price is $18,500

I'm from California but the truck is stored inside on my friend's ranch in McAlester, OK
and would need to be picked up or shipped from that location. It is easy access to the highway and big-rig accessible.

mserpe@yahoo.com

thanks Exp Portal!
 

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Mike Serpe

Observer
more pics
 

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Mike Serpe

Observer
more
 

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  • Mercedes Freightliner New Engine OM352A TURBO 1991.jpg
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Mike Serpe

Observer
more
 

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Mike Serpe

Observer
pics from back in the day
 

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