Opinions welcomed

[n/a]

I've been monitoring this forum for some time now.  I'm considering the purchase of a Pagoda as a daily driver.  I've about convinced myself that I would prefer a 250.  Nonetheless, there's an Oklahoma car on ebay that I would welcome your opinions on.  It's on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4568282207&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT and I doubt it will reach it's reserve price.  Assuming it does not, I'd like to go see it this weekend and would appreciate any input relative to what I should look for - and opinions about this particular example.  The color combination is not my first choice, but Pagoda's near me are quite rare and I've not had the opportunity to view very many.
Thanks in advance for any advice anyone might offer.
Don

[Douglas]

1. Very pretty color combo
2. Hood fit horrendous -- possible front end collision. Check for hood # to see if it's original.
3. It's sitting funny. The front end is way too low.
4. Ancient tires. Would lead me to guess it's not driven often
5. Top of dash recovered (and, IMHO, unsightly)

Lots of other little nits, but nothing that really matters. Could be okay, but I would be bothered by a poorly fitting hood/bonnet. Also, I'd be more than curious about rust to more than the casual observer.



Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[ChrisInNashville]

Based on my experience last year, I highly recommend having an inspector with you.   Well worth the money.

For a 'restored' car, the engine bay didn't look very "spit and polished" but that may be somewhat superficial

Also, this guy is a 'trader' and a 99% favorable rating is a cliche, so 91% is not great.   If he's a dealer, you may want to check BBB.

Don't swing at the first pitch if you've not seen many.

[n/a]

Agree, pretty color combo, untidy engine compartment (looks like over spray in places) and the gap between the hood leading edge and body is HUGE.

I looked through ebay two days ago and saw it.  There was another one there that looked better and could have been from a private seller.

I believe it was a simlar bluish metallic color.  I can check ebay again later after dinner.  It struck me as a better example.  

Pete

[n/a]

It's that '71 280SL blue with current bid $15K.  Has Cal. plate, worth calling the guy because could be from Cal. originally.  

Says engine was rebuilt.  

Looks like a recent re-paint, not usually a good sign.  And not the best color.

Has anyone seen this car?

[Douglas]

Here it is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-SL-Class-280-SL-1971-280-SL-MERCEDES-BENZ-IN-MINT-CONDITION_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6338QQitemZ4568013219QQrdZ1

And I agree. Looks like it could be a significantly better example.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Chad]

Douglas:  Do yoou have a guess about what the paint color code for this blue car is that you posted? Not the one of the original ppost with the funky hood gap, but the one linked in the posting you just recently made?  My color has been repainted and I think it was this exact color of blue.

-CD-
1967 230SL, 113.042 10
1983 300TDT, WDBAB 93A7DN

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by Rozinante

The color combination is not my first choice, but Pagoda's near me are quite rare and I've not had the opportunity to view very many.

Have you seen a copy of the SL Market Letter yet?  I've let my subscription lapse, but in my last issue (August 2004) there were 115 Pagodas for sale.  That's right, 115 listings.  And these listings only run for two issues unless it can be verified that the car is still for sale.  You might find some near you to drive/inspect.  At least it would be a learning experience to drive/see more of them.

www.slmarket.com

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Douglas]

Chad,

I think it's 350 Medium Blue. Here's a better example of that color:

http://motoringinvestments.com/C81Photo.htm

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Chad]

Yes Douglas, I agree that car is definitely it, medium blue 350.  Not the 181 light beige on my data plate on the left side fender in the engine bay.  This is good to know cause I want to have that same blue on the restoration. I just rather like it.
Thanks again!



-CD-
1967 230SL, 113.042 10
1983 300TDT, WDBAB 93A7DN

[n/a]

Thanks.  I appreciate all the responses.  I, too, noticed the hood gap.  I did not notice the dash.  Is the blue horn button cover correct?
While the seller was unresponsive to emails, he answered his phone and was responsive to my questions.  He says he picked up the car at an estate auction and that it's a local car, maintained at an OKC shop for years.  Said the previous owner had been in ill health and not driven the car for several years.  He assures me the front fenders are original, but could not find a number on the hood.
He also says there is no evidence of rust.
Re the recommendation on the California SL - it doesn't have A/C, an absolute requirement in Oklahoma.  Anyone have any idea what it would cost to add air?
And thanks Rodd, I subscribed to the SL Market letter this morning.
If I get the opportunity to look at the car this weekend, I'll post what I see.
Don

[Douglas]

Blue pad on steering wheel most definitely not correct. Clearly, someone had some blue leather and vinyl dye and got a little overzealous with the interior.

If there's no number on the top left corner of the hood (driver's side), then it's not original. (I don't see how he can say it's original if he purchased the car at an estate sale.)

Adding a/c is difficult, but not impossible. After all is said and done, you're probably looking at at least 5 grand. Parts alone are a couple grand. (Plus the car could easily start running hot afterwards.)

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[J. Huber]

I guess rust is still on my mind...(actually always is  :oops: ) but on the original blue car, I get suspicious when seller says no evidence of rust. Am I imagining that reddish looking stuff here and there in the engine bay?

James
63 230SL