Accidents can happen ...

[Cees Klumper]

Has an accident happened to your Pagoda and, if so, what sort of damage resulted, how was it all resolved (e.g. insurance-wise, who did you have it fix, how long did this all take etc)??

This topic has never been discussed before as far as I know (except for one instance where a member had a drawn-out argument with his insurance company).

So far, in 4 years of driving, I have never (touch wood) been in any sort of accident or even parking-lot-ding-damage with my SL. I did have a close call once, when a sudden slowdown on the highway occurred and the person behind had to brake very hard (clouds of blue smoke) to avoid rear-ending me. Phew!

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Douglas]

A few years back, the Star ran a series of photos of Mercedes that had been in weird accidents.

The one I remember is a late-model W 113 that was on a flatbed, but it had clearly not been secured properly. The car was at a 45-degree angle with the ground and had effectively been very seriously dropped on its nose.

From the looks of it, I'd guess the car was freshly restored and was on the way to a concours. I believe it was a US model and was anthracite gray. Anyone else remember that photo? I've been looking for it for some time now.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #018260

[Naj ✝︎]

I had a little coming together beginning of last year. It was in heavy traffic where a guy flashed his head lights to let me out and join the traffic in the opposite direction from a junction. As I pulled out, he changed his mind and drove into my car. It was deemed to be my fault as I was crossing from a minor road into a major road.

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Ended up having the whole car painted (except hard top) and still have not finished (14 months later)putting the chrome back!!

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Did anyone realize how much overhang there is forward of the headlamps??

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naj

[Cees Klumper]

Yes I did see this photo that Doug is referring to. Makes you cringe. However now I can't remember where I saw it!
That's a very frustrating experience Naj. The paint looks excellent though. Were you able to you recoup the damages on your car from your insurance company?

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[CarlG]

I had a minor accident on the way to work last year.  I was third in line at a traffic light in fairly heavy traffic.  When it turned green we all went but only a short way across the road when traffic stopped, except for the lady in a volvo behind me.  Her headlight and fender hit my left bumper and her bumper actually hit the area under my bumper.  My bumper bracket was knocked in maybe 1/4" (the bumper was undamaged) and the estimate for the bodywork was $300, which I have not had done yet, even though she has paid me.  The repair to her Volvo was $1,600.  Luckily she didn't hit my all red taillight.

1967 230sl (stick)

[Cees Klumper]

Hi Carl - this reminds me of the following cartoon which I posted before:
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Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[JamesL]

Some sad sights on wrecked exotics .com

This one, in particular http://www.wreckedexotics.com/300sl/300sl_110902_001.shtml