Current bid
£4,200

1989 Mercedes-Benz 609D Camper Conversion

Highlights

  • Imported from Germany and re-registered in the UK in 1997
  • Comprehensive interior renovations carried out between 2006 and 2008
  • Powerful solar system professionally installed, capable of running lights and appliances
  • Spacious and versatile interior with unique features like a woodburner and Jaguar car sofa
  • MOT valid until February 2026

The Appeal

If a normal camper's rather tight proportions are proving troublesome, there's an obvious solution - look to a bigger vehicle. It's little wonder that one of the roomiest, most comfortable conversions available is in one of these big, high-sided vans. Factor in the fact it's one of the legendarily rugged Mercedes-Benz T2-Series and we're bound to get a little excited. Big, rugged and reliable, lots of space for a customised living area... where do you start?

This 1989 example was fitted out to a very handsome specification, with wooden floors, lots of storage space, a sofa salvaged from a Jaguar car, spacious kitchen, private bedroom and even a wood burner. It doesn't end there, though - it boasts a powerful solar power set-up, hot and cold running water, a gas stove, and a full-size double bed, with additional berths above the front cab. It's got more amenities than many small residences, all packed into a handsome retro truck that'll tackle just about any road on the national work with ease.

The vendor tells us:

"We bought this vehicle as it has pretty much everything to live comfortably and sustainably off-grid. As you enter, it feels really big inside, this always surprises guests, as the ceiling is 2m high in the main area, lots of windows, many LED lights and well laid out.

The side entrance (passenger-side) is a lockable stable door with a porthole. It has a hydraulic step controlled from the inside, so at night you can raise the step and it becomes a level part of the room. The initial renovation was carried out by craftsmen and has very much a ‘quality’ feel to it. After enjoying it for 6 years, I am still discovering new features the camper has to offer.

I've loved this camper and spent many happy times, even Airbnb'd her for a season and now it is time to hand her on to her next owners to cherish. She's very versatile, can be used for festivals (it's a people magnet, they all stop and want to see inside,), camp sites, off-grid living, Airbnb-ing or even used as an extension to your house if you have guests as a spare cabin. An awning could be attached to the top if you want to increase your footprint outside. Overall, a lovely asset for holidays and home."

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered in Germany in 1989
  • Imported to and registered in the UK in 1997
  • The DVLA records 9 former keepers
  • Interior renovations initially carried out between 2006 and 2008 (all paperwork available)
  • Underwent recent renovations, carried out by the current keeper
  • In current ownership since 2019
  • MOT history: 2000 to 2010, then 2016, 2019, 2023/24/25
  • MOT valid until 23rd February 2026
  • Advisories from the most recent MOT: Central Front Oil Leak, but not excessive; Offside Front Lower slight lift
  • Cost to insure - £650 per year / tax £375
  • Colour matched paint available from when the garage carried out the respray of the front cab for future touch-ups

The Condition

  • The vendor informs us that the overall condition is very good
  • Both front cab doors have had the lower sections replaced, welded, and resprayed
  • The front cab door window areas have been welded; some rust is showing on the driver's side
  • The front engine grill has been rebuilt and resprayed
  • Fuel cap lockable flap was riveted back on and resprayed (was not attached when purchased by owner)
  • Driver's step has been replaced and welded
  • New metal tray for solar batteries rebuilt and welded
  • A few light scratches and some normal rust spots & chips on wheels around arches etc
  • All new tyres replaced last year; mechanic gave a good health report on the wheels
  • Underside has been undersealed with clear wax
  • Spacious interior with a 2m high ceiling in the main area, lots of windows, many LED lights, and well-laid-out
  • Hydraulic step controlled from the inside, can be raised at night to become a level part of the room
  • Fully stripped & varnished wooden floor, with some minor wear
  • Cedar, cherry, and Russian birch throughout the living area
  • Sofa is taken from a Jaguar car, and includes a central armrest that folds down to rest your drinks on
  • Sub-woofer behind the sofa with controls in the drawer under the sofa, can be Bluetooth connected
  • Many speakers throughout the camper, can also run a guitar through jacks in control cabinet inside main door
  • Disco lights located under the camper, controlled from inside, with colour & rhythm modes
  • New radio in the cab area to Bluetooth into
  • Curtain rail for privacy around front cab windscreen
  • Front cab passenger seat swivels around for extra sitting space when stationary
  • Very characterful Jaguar hood ornament coat hooks
  • Drawer storage below sofa and cupboard/shelf space above
  • Two openable windows above the sofa
  • Camper comes with its own safe, cleverly hidden under the floorboards, with its own key
  • Many LED lights are individually switched, either inside the front door or in the kitchen area
  • Kitchen is a generous size with a pull-out shelf to the right of the sink for increased food prep area
  • Lots of storage space above and below the kitchen
  • Openable window above the sink with a curtain
  • Gas stove/oven with gas bottle stored in rear outside external cabinet
  • Fridge and microwave when hooked up to external power
  • External electric hook up in its own fold out slot on driver’s side
  • Hot and cold running water with gauges for water levels and adjustable temperature controls in the kitchen area
  • Large skylight in the kitchen area, which opens
  • Powerful solar system updated by the owner, runs all lights, music, TV and water pump
  • Exterior solar cabinet (lockable) professionally installed by Batteries & Solar Ltd in Plymouth
  • Power and draw can be viewed via an app on your phone
  • Lights can run for 10 days continuously or the sub-woofer for 3 days, or indefinitely when sunny all day
  • Fine woodburner is installed, with chimney running to the roof that can be unscrewed and stowed when in transit
  • Wood stored in the back storable cabinet accessible from the exterior, runs under the entirety of the bedroom area
  • Rail behind the woodburner to hang clothes, tea towels, and towels to dry
  • Additional diesel heater located in the living area, controls in the bedroom
  • Bedroom is an airy space with pocket doors that slide closed for privacy
  • Double bed can accommodate comfortably thanks to car's 2-metre width 
  • The bedroom features two openable windows, a static porthole, and an air vent
  • USB charger and TV with Netflix in the bedroom
  • Wardrobe with 5 drawers for clothes
  • Another sleeping area is found above the front cab that can be used as a bedroom for kids, or luggage storage
  • Comfortable driving and passenger seats
  • Multiple large exterior cabinets, all lockable
  • Two back cabinets give access to a vast storage area running under the bed (fully insulated)
  • Water topped up via an inlet in the driver's-side rear cabinet
  • Large deck on roof for storage of surfboards, luggage etc while in transit or for security when stationary
  • Ladder at rear of vehicle for roof access
  • Reversing beeping sound when reversing
  • Comfortable to drive, with a high view point

The Mechanics

  • 3,972cc 4-cylinder diesel
  • Manual transmission 
  • Isolation switch flips the engine battery over to the solar batteries when stationary
  • Simple engine that's proven very reliable for the vendor
  • A very slow leak has been noted the back driver's-side wheel brake
  • However, the vendor notes this is very minor and doesn't present any issues
  • Wheel tracking needs to be carried out at some point
  • Garage carried out work on the front wheel area at the last MOT but could not test the tracking as the wheels are 16" and they could only do 17" and above
  • Having driven the camper since, the vendor informs us that the wheels appear okay
  • The vendor adds that driving is 'surprisingly easy', and that the wagon handles narrow country lanes fine
  • They further add that it starts every time, and runs beautifully
 
Engine 4.jpg 524.32 KB


BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 
Current bid
£4,200
Reserve not met

9 Bids

30 Saved

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Auction Details

  • Year1989
  • MakeMercedes
  • ModelT Class
  • ColourBlue
  • Odometer121,110 Kilometres
  • Engine size3972cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownFowey
  • CountyCornwall
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

9 Bids from 4 bidders

adam.pi••••
Bid
£4,200
25/03/25
Tommym••••
Bid
£4,100
24/03/25
Mmeellv••••
Bid
£2,400
24/03/25
Mmeellv••••
Bid
£2,300
24/03/25
Tommym••••
Bid
£2,200
24/03/25
Mmeellv••••
Bid
£1,500
24/03/25
Tommym••••
Bid
£1,400
24/03/25
Mmeellv••••
Bid
£1,250
24/03/25
david-r••••
Pre-bid
£300
22/03/25

Comments

CS

Stonsey••••

2 days ago

Thank you for answer

HB

Heathla••••

Seller
1 day ago

No probs. Anything you need to ask, ask away.

CS

Stonsey••••

3 days ago

Does it have a toilet and shower facility ?

HB

Heathla••••

Seller
2 days ago

Hi all, there is plumbing at the passenger door to attach a long shower hose to (the hose is included in the auction). There are awning attachment points along the top passenger side where an outside shower cubicle curtain could be attached to. There used to be a shower inside, but this was replaced with the wood burner when it was renovated by a previous owner, which I preferred as the wood burner provides a great sense of space as well as heat and charm. There is no toilet. We didn’t mind not having an internal toilet, as we were always near a toilet on a campsite, or festival. A portable toilet could be an answer, have it outside in a pop up tent, and/or bring inside at night if needed. I hope this answers your questions

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