300TE 4Matic ‘Wagonzilla’ Goes Off the Beaten Path
If there’s anything I love more than cars, it’s wagons. Especially German wagons. Add all-wheel-drive, a bulletproof inline six, big tires, and a roof rack, and…oh baby, I’m going to need to turn down the lights, and light a candle for this one.
Back in March, Tyler M. (BringATrailer username dirt4dinner) purchased this lifted 1991 Mercedes 300TE 4Matic, from a seller in Seattle, Washington. He appropriately named it “Wagonzilla,” and has spent most of this year sorting it out and enjoying the wagon in and around Mesa, Arizona, where he lives.
When he took delivery, Tyler was aware of a transfer case in need of repair , but thankfully a spare was included. Despite having a friend perform an inspection prior to purchase, several issues popped up shortly after he took ownership of the car – a situation many fans of older, European cars are all-too familiar with. According to Tyler, Wagonzilla “tested my marriage, bank account, patience, and the ability of the local European mechanics (a lot of them).”
Since sorting out these issues, Tyler says he “couldn’t be happier,” and has been enjoying driving the Benz, personalizing it with a light bar, a roof rack, and several creature comforts. He has plans to fab up some off-road bumpers and add a winch.
If you want to follow his progress, Tyler’s Instagram is @carltonthemini, where Wagonzilla shares the spotlight with a 1973 Mini.
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