280SL engine in a 250SL - Replaced 250SL badge with 280SL badge

[chasingpagoda]

Hello all,

I'm new around here and am in search for my first 113.  I found a 250SL for sale but for some reason there's a 280 engine in it and they replaced the 250SL logo on the back with a 280SL logo.  Has anyone seen that done?  It was a very beautiful car with some minor imperfections and needs a new top but replacing the logo?  I thought that was kind of strange.  Any thoughts?

I test drove the car but since I don't really have anything to compare it to I can't really say if it drove well.  Can anyone enlighten me with how the steering is supposed to feel, acceleration and what ever else you can think of.  I'm also about to check out other 113s in my area just to get a feel for what to expect.

thanks!

[dtuttle123]

If they changed the nameplate to a 280SL, what else did they do that you don't know about?  I've seen this done a few times, as the 280SL may fetch a better price than a 250SL.  I would keep looking!

[stickandrudderman]

What's the problem? Lots of these cars have had engine changes to 280 and most will have the appropriate badge swap too, just expect to pay a little less fo the car.
If you're lookiing for a concourse winner then forget it but if you're looking for a nice daily or weekend driver I would worry more about the structural integrity and the mechanical condition.
Try to find a local speciaist who can check the car out for you.

[RickM]

I've seen this with many cars. In fact I bought a 380 SL with a 500 SL badge. The late owner had re-badged because he installed all kinds of AMG accessories (I wish it had a 500 engine lol). Oh well, it was obvious when I purchased and the price was right. In the end I restored to mostly original.

[Cees Klumper]

You can change the badge back to 250 SL if you'd like. A good 280 engine is at least as good as a 250 engine

The steering should feel relatively light (assuming there's power steering, must admit I'm not sure whether they all had it from the factory) especially with the original large-diameter wheel. Acceleration should be "surprisingly quick for such an old car" but probably most modern diesel delivery vans will be quicker at a traffic light. In all, it should be able to run with modern traffic and handle and brake nimbly. Try driving a few for comparison, there can be big differences between cars.

[Wes Bender]

With regard to that particular car, I wouldn't get in too big a hurry.  Test drive a few others first.  That way you will have a better idea of how it drives.  Far better to lose out on a possibly good car than to get stuck with a dog on your first try and winding up with a bad taste in your mouth for the W113s.

just my $.02,

[chasingpagoda]

Thanks all!

This was actually the first time I saw one up close and it was just so beautiful that I was a bit mesmerized and stopped thinking straight. You guys are right, I should take my time.  I'll start looking for a specialist who can help me sort things out and maybe test drive a few.  I live in the San Francisco Bay Area so if any one has any leads on specialist or cars for sale let me know.

PS:  I replaced the word logo with badge.  (what a noob!) ;-)

alex

[66andBlue]

It would be well worth your time driving south a bit to Burlingame and to talk to Roy Spencer.  He knows a lot about Pagodas and what to avoid.
See: http://www.oursl.com/?page_id=2

[lurtch]

Alex,    You need to contact on Roy Spencer. ( Mercedes Heritage.com)  His restoration shop is just down freeway 101 in Burlingame.  He is renowned in our world of Pagodas - - and he might just have the car you are looking for. I believe he usually has several of them on-site.

Larry

[lurtch]

OOPs  Sorry for this duplication !!      Hi Alfred   - - - Sorry I ran right over you!

[66andBlue]

Larry, you have just drawn your first yellow card! 

[chasingpagoda]

Larry and Alfred: Thanks a lot!  I just checked out his site and it's pretty informative.  It also looks like he's got a few for sale.   Hopefully soon I can add a little signature at the bottom of my post.  Something a lot better than "07 Honda Fit" or "97 Ford Explorer"