Transverse jump seat

[al_lieffring]

My 66 us model 230sl has a jump seat instead of the carpeted package shelf in the back. I have seen euro models with a forward facing seat and no folding top or boot.

But mine has a side facing seat on the right hand (passenger side)

anyone else ever seen an SL with this option?

Al Lieffring

[mdsalemi]

Hello Al,

I don't know which is more rare of what you describe, but I have seen more of the transverse Kinder seats then the forward facing one as you describe.

It's kind of a novelty as I don't know any right thinking parent who would put an untethered child in that seat for anything other then a slow spin around the block.  Any child small enough to fit in that seat is probably covered by child seat laws in the USA hence the novelty aspect.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[Douglas]

Al,

The model with the bench seat in the rear is the Coupe, or "California Coupe." It has no soft top; just a removable hardtop. Technically, it's a 2+2, but that's stretching it since the backseat has just an inch or two more than the normal Roadster.

The transverse backseat, aka "kinder seat," was seen on Roadsters (models with soft tops)throughout production. It is easily added or, if desired, removed. Cars with the transverse seat were delivered with the removable parcel shelf in the rear that covered the footwell on the driver side of the back seat.

IMHO, it's a neat option to have. I like the fact that you can stow luggage or groceries in the footwell and they won't move around.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[rogerh113]

Hello,

I also have a kinder seat in my '66 - I think it is not that unusual.  

A brief note on the illegality of small children in the seat.  I just recently saw my two cousins after MANY years (they are now 30x and I am 50x).  He said he still thinks back fondly on, and maybe the only thing he really remembers, about a visit they made as young children was a ride he got in my Austin Healey 3000 III. He ended up buying an MG when he grew up as a result (can't blame me for that). His sister also said the same thing about getting a ride.  The rides were probably no more than around the block, and I never realized what a big deal it was to them.  He has three children in the 3 to 7 range which came on the visit, and sadly I couldn't provide them with a similar memorable experience in my 230SL (probably even more of a fun ride).  They will be safer, but will never have that memory to think back on.......

Roger

[keesing]

Both of my babies have "Kinder" seats... and I wish they didn't - only because I have two granddaughters (4+8)... I've made the mistake of giving each the around-the-block ride, and now they both get very upset with "pops" because he won't take them for his rides in the mountains!  :?:  
I have written to the DMV with photos, asking that if I install a harness type seatbelt, would it be legal(?) Due to the size and placement of the seat, any li'l passenger sure isn't going anywhere!

1967 250SL Signal Red
1969 280SL "Tweety Bird Yellow"
1987 260E Charcoal

[Amanda]

My car has the kinder seat as well - and I have stuffed two adults back there (at different times).  They both said it was actually relatively comfortable, but they had the sense that they could be easily ejected from even the smallest of accidents, so you definitely have to drive extra carefully, and probably best only used for a short ride around town.

Amanda
1966 230SL
Manual
Red/Tan
Los Angeles

[Naj ✝︎]

Are these original?
Anybody know?

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naj

68 280SL

[rwmastel]

Naj,

I've not seen anything like that before.  I'm not even sure how useful it would be.

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

[Ricardo]

Naj
That kind of looks like a converted coupe..no? I don't see the centre support for the original plywood floor panels, and the support is spot welded to the floor, so it's a job to remove it..... also the way the rear carpet fits seems odd and still no room for a person's legs....probably for the family dogs  

[graphic66]

Here's one on EBAY http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=015&item=250025130893&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT

[Naj ✝︎]

Ricardo

 

quote:That kind of looks like a converted coupe..no?

It did have the soft top compartment, could not decide about the cushions....

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naj

68 280SL

[JamesL]

I asked a safetybelt specialist about this as I too have the kinder seat. (Naj: QuickfitSBS)

They said they have doen it but effectively ended up installing a seat not dissimilar to the later R107s, and a 5 point safety belt. The kid sits in the middle with legs on the tranny tunnel. Quite an expensive conversion...

[waqas]

Hello Al,

I have both options (my Mar-'65 pagoda is with kinder seat, but my Jan-'65 pagoda is without), and I can safely attest to the "coolness factor" of the kinder seat. It has always sparked a discussion... with me having to politely but firmly refuse to seat anyone there  :?  ... for anything more than a quick spin around the block.

Seats without headrests are bad enough, but these sideways-facing seats (even if you don't fly out due to lack of seatbelt) can give you a severe neck injury in even a little fender-bender.

I've readily used the seat for placing delicate items (like a bag of fruits and vegetables), and as Doug mentioned, the rear footwell is ideally suited (better than the shelf) for items that need to stay put while driving.

WAQAS in Austin, Texas

[France]

Waqas,  

Carling (alias The Little Red Truck) commonly carries bags of cypress mulch on her kinder seat!

Trice
1968 280SL US, signal red/bl leather, auto, kinder seat
Sarasota FL; Alsace France
The rule is, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today.

[114015]

Hello Naj,

I am pretty confident that your finding in the red 230 is not original but custom fit, although the cushon matches the seats' color pretty well.

Achim
(Magdeburg, Germany)