Mercedes-Benz T2 series I

The T2 family included flatbed trucks, all-metal vans, buses and chassis. Totally, the Daimler-Benz plant in Dusseldorf has produced 487.4 thousand of these machines for 20 years. The next models were included in the first generation T2 range: vans and chassis L406D, L407D, L408, L508D, L608D, 608D and buses O309, O309D.

First number in an index is the total mass in tones (excluding buses), two second – horsepower in dozens. There were three choices of wheelbase: 2950, 3500 and 4100 mm, and five types of vans with different roof height from 1600 to 1900 mm. 96% of installed engines were diesels.

Gasoline engines M121 (80 hp), M115 (90 hp) and M102 (95 hp) were carburetor type with overhead valves and chain drive of gas-distributing mechanism. Diesels OM621 (55 hp), OM314 (80 – 85 hp), OM352 (130 hp) were with down valves, with a gear-driven gas-distributing mechanism, but OM616 (65 – 72 hp) were with overhead valves and chain drive of gas-distributing mechanism.

It were indirect-injection or direct injection engines. 4 types of transmissions were available to order – 4- or 5-speed manual, and automatic – early W4 A018 and late W4 B 035 (1978 year). Last 2 types mainly were installed on buses and postal vans.

Suspension is fully dependent on a leaf spring. Early trucks and vans were equipped with a single-braking system. Since 1973, all T2 trucks received a dual-braking system with a vacuum booster.

The brake mechanisms were drum on all four wheels. There were two types of steering: with booster or without it, depending on the modification.