Adventuremobile: Mercedes 310 T1 4x4 Poptop

What a ride. We stumbled across this vintage Mercedes Benz 310 T1 4x4 custom pop-top overland build and are completely obsessed with it.

First off. The German plate looks makes it look like it’s from Germany. But the front plate doesn’t match the back plate.

The front place shows it’s from ME. The cool part about that is that it represents Mettmann, North-Rhine-Westphalia - yes, that Westfalia! Which is based in Rheda-Wiedenbrück (located in North-Rhine-Westphalia)! Ha! Nice one! The first thing is the very cool roof fairing that looks to be build to make the roof flush with the front of the van. The 4 lights on the roof are very slick. The square look compliments the headlights. Including the 4 lights off the bumper and grill. It also looks to have some other lower lights embedded into the bumper. Only thing it’s missing is a front hitch receiver along with a winch.

The rear plate has M for Munich (München), Bavaria. Cool high-mount spare. Looks like it’s the original Benz steel wheel 5 bolt.

You can see the custom build alloy shell for the roof. the hinge mechanism is interesting. I’m not quite sure why they wouldn’t just have two simple actuators on either side of it.

We thought the van was converted to a Dana solid axle from a Ford F250 or something. But the bolt pattern is a 5 bolt, so it could be the same as the G wagon / Allrad from a 4x4 version of the van with just a custom lift. The look with the extended flares is very cool. The awning fits perfectly. It looks like a Fiamma similar to what we have on our vans.

The snorkle looks like its made of custom tubing. The straight windshield makes for an easy mount.

Mercedes-Benz 310 TN 4×4s are a rare van - many were converted by Ighaut Allrad using G Wagon components, including live axles and a dual-range transfer case, as well as lifted suspension, making it a capable off-road vehicle popular for camper conversions.

They were introduced in 1977, the TN van series replaced the Mercedes L 406 D, featuring modern styling, a range of engines, and three wheelbase options, earning a reputation for reliability in various commercial and recreational roles.

Not sure of the year, but likely around 1989 - These Mercedes-Benz 310 TN 4×4s were often made to served in a German or Swiss fire department. The 2.3 liter M102 engine, 5-speed manual transmission was common.

Structurally the TN van was relatively simple, with a steel body, a live rear axle, independent front suspension, a front-mounted engine, and three available wheelbase lengths with gross weight ratings from 2.55 to 4.6 metric tons.

There were a number of different engines offered in varying displacements and power outputs, with gasoline, diesel, and turbodiesel all available. Power was sent back to the rear wheels via a manual transmission, and the vans soon earned a reputation for excellent reliability – even those with high mileages.

A small number of TN vans were sent off for 4×4 conversions by German company Ighaut Allrad. They used Mercedes G Wagon components, including the front and rear axles, driveshafts, transmissions, and transfer cases, and fitted lifted suspension for additional ground clearance.