Feedback on 230sl on EBAY

[miltnme]

hello friends

please let me know what you folks think of this car?  tan exterior, black interior and brown soft top, no head restraints, i am sure the mileage has gone around once.

thanks in advance for your feedback. Jonathan

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-SL-Class-230SL-1964-Mercedes-Benz-230SL-One-Owner-Cali-Car-A-C-Rare_W0QQitemZ230028655999QQihZ013QQcategoryZ6338QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Jonny B]

While the is no substitute for seeing the car in the metal, the car does present well in the photos. The lines and gaps appear all straight and true, and the little headlight notches are in their place. There are a number of detail items on the engine (some of the clamps, the firewall pad, etc.) that are not original, but still fairly tidy. From what I understand on the early cars, the firewall pad material was quite fragile, so a replacement could be a reasonable maintenance item. I would say that is worth a direct look, or perhaps getting someone on the forum that is in that area to take a next look. Some further looks at the trunk, top well, and undersides.

FYI, there was no such thing as factory air conditioning, these were all added after the fact.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[enochbell]

Jonathan,

Some questions I would pursue: a California black plate and original owner story is highly suspect, if it is true then there should be plenty of history (this guy quotes Carfax as evidence of mileage?  either he is very naive or he expects you to be).  I would have a look under the mat in the trunk; the rear bumpers have later model guards, I can't tell if the radio is correct from the pics, the trunk has been repainted (no stickers); the texture of the seat material look strange- it might be fine but it just looks odd; I can't tell if the fuel lines are brownish from oxidization or cadmium.  Otherwise looks really nice, original mirrors and other interior bits, albeit sad looking visors and definately refinished wood console.  

There are a couple of us in S. Florida, (Kevin C. is in Boca, I am in Delray Beach/10 miles from Boca) if you get serious about the car I am sure we could have a look for you,

Best,

g

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon

[miltnme]

hi G & johnny B

can't thank you enough for your expertise, i am learning so much about these cars with the help of guys like you, its my hope that with everyones assistance i will buy a good honest Pagoda, whenever it comes along.

many thanks for your time.
jonathan

[J. Huber]

The fact that the "buy it now" price is reasonable somehow leads me to think the car is a pretty decent driver. Of course, its not perfect -- but there are some very redeemable qualities. I'd make sure about rust (and only if it was substantial would that change my opinion). Colorwise, its not my favorite. A little mocha-ie but it grows on you as a complete package.

James
63 230SL

[miltnme]

hi james

thank you for your feedback, I have talked to some very knowledgable people about buying on EBAY and they have all had bad experiences with car purchases, good to know, and i once again appreciate everyones feedback.

jonathan

[J. Huber]

Hey Jonathan. I'd agree that buying from Ebay is a pretty scary proposition. Please take my opinion with the caveat "as far as Ebay cars/pics I've seen..."

I doubt I would ever buy on Ebay -- unless I could get to the car in person. Some have had good luck -- others, well...

I believe you are from the Nor CA area -- I would think if you keep your eyes peeled, you can find Pagodas for sale here. All depends on what you are after. Very nice cars are around -- both ones that are already excellent ($$$) or others that are decent ($$) but will allow you to spend a bit over the years to get them to where you want them. Personally, if I were hunting -- I'd be looking in the 20-25 range. Best of luck.

James
63 230SL

[miltnme]

hi james

how right you are, i will not be buying any cars on EBAY, and yes living in Nor. California i do see a few pagodas from time to time.

thanks again.
jonathan

[Kenneth Gear]

This has been suggested before but, I would also keep checking The Star Magazine from MBCA. AT least there you know you have a better chance of an "enthisiast" owner.


My Sept/Oct issue came yesterday and there are a few possibilities there ranging from $18,500 to $42,000.






Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red

[114015]

Hello Jonathan,

If there is anybody near the seller's location, it might be worth looking at the car.
To me the car looks pretty straight.
However, the interior is not original anymore. The SL had (still has) black leather interior, but the seat covers look funny and are definitely not original with their basket weave all-over nor is the "vinyl" on lid of the softtop compartment. Carpet was also replaced but fine. The "Kühlmeister" aircon is the most correct one for these cars.

Good luck!

Achim
(Magdeburg, Germany)

[graphic66]

How is the sellers feedback, that can tell a lot about the dealer. You can also sometimes contact past buyers and email them to get info about their experience about the seller also.And that color does grow on you, it makes me want to go to Starbucks for my cappicino

[enochbell]

I just checked out the other cars this seller has on ebay.  He is no slouch, for a real good time look at the V-12 Jag, the pic of the engine bay will make you cry (at least it did me).  My point is, be just as concerned with what he does NOT say as what he DOES say in the description.  Buyer beware, but I still think it is worth checking this car out, could be the real deal, not a bargain mind you, but a possibility.

Best,

g

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon

[KevinC]

Rear bumper guards, funky seat covers, vinyl on the soft top lid certainly are suspect, maybe not seperately but they just don't add up. Not a big deal but if a car was that nicely kept, wouldnt it be more "correct"? FWIW, my car does not have the chrome strip on the soft top. Also, how about photos of the undercarraige and the hard top? In addition, the ad states "Boca Raton" for a location but the number and address suggest Oakland Park in the vicinity of Ft Lauderdale. The car COULD be in Boca though. Email me if you'd like and I can try to get a look if you are serious. Saturday would be the only chance for me, however.

quote:Originally posted by enochbell

Jonathan,

Some questions I would pursue: a California black plate and original owner story is highly suspect, if it is true then there should be plenty of history (this guy quotes Carfax as evidence of mileage?  either he is very naive or he expects you to be).  I would have a look under the mat in the trunk; the rear bumpers have later model guards, I can't tell if the radio is correct from the pics, the trunk has been repainted (no stickers); the texture of the seat material look strange- it might be fine but it just looks odd; I can't tell if the fuel lines are brownish from oxidization or cadmium.  Otherwise looks really nice, original mirrors and other interior bits, albeit sad looking visors and definately refinished wood console.  

There are a couple of us in S. Florida, (Kevin C. is in Boca, I am in Delray Beach/10 miles from Boca) if you get serious about the car I am sure we could have a look for you,

Best,

g

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon

Kevin Caputo
Boca Raton, FL
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex

[vincesy]

Is the black horn pad on a white steering wheel a combination that came from the factory original?  Is that the right combination to make it blend in more with the black interior?

[Douglas]

The black center pad is not "correct." It didn't come from the factory like that.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA