While diesel cars are relatively common in many parts of the world now, with growing interest in others, it’s important to know which car it was that started the whole diesel alternative. It was a Mercedes-Benz, the 260D from 1937, to be precise.

It was actually launched one year earlier, but that was actually just a pilot batch that never reached customers and all examples produced were used as taxis.

The engine it used was a 2.6-liter four-cylinder that made 45 hp at 3,000 rpm and it was able to push the relatively streamlined 260D up to a top speed of 95 km/h or 59 mph. Weight for the model was just over 1.5 tons.

Its production was halted for the war (it was only made for three years) and afterward, a new model took its place, the slightly smaller 170D that came along in 1949.

If you want a very early diesel Merc, do look out for a 170D as it’s far-far more common. Don’t think they are common, though – you can still find one for under $10,000 if you’re prepared to do a lot of restoration work; in mint condition, it can fetch upward of $30,000.

We’re also going to dedicate a post to the later and more advanced early diesels sold by Mercedes, like the late 1950s 180D, but until then do check out the selection of videos posted below.

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