Data Card Info v. Actual Car Options

[Tonys113]

I have had my car for a little over 2 months now, and Saturday here in the Northeast it made to 55 degrees so out of hiburnation  it came.
I am very happy to report that it drives great, smooth, straight and stops well and straight. It shift smoothly and I am  sure I will get use to the hydraulic clutch.

I write today to ask those in the know about the accuracy of the factory data card as it pertains to what I believe has been installed on my car. Unfortunately I know of no way to accurately trace a car that has only 14 digits in its VIN number and do not have access to anyone except the previous (3rd) owner of my car.

According to the Data Car (MB Classics sent me photocopy) Code 680 indicates this car was originally sold in Germany.
I do not have Euro Head lights, Gauges are in English and MPH.
Car has Side Marker Light.
Car does not have Bumper Guards, Does Have Hard Pockets on Doors
It does have Head Rests
Section 7 OT on the Data Card shows (3) Dashes, Sold without a hard top. I does have one now

The VIN, Engine and Transmission Number All Match a 1969 208SL Correct on the Data Card

I do know that this car had a cosmetic restoration done between six and seven years ago, was originally Ermine White with Blue Leather interior and Top.
Interior is still original and the new convertible top is of course blue

Listed Options Are:
717 Ermine White
135 Blue MB-Tex
401 (2) Seats
422 Power Steering
502 Passenger Side Mirror
511 Becker Radio
594 Tinted Glass
680 D-Sign (Germany)
222 - First Aid Kit
744 Blue Convertible Top

Are some of what I think are options actually standard equipment. ( I do have Power Brakes for example)
I have checked the Registered Cars on the site and do not see that this car had been listed here by any of its previous owners.

Thanks

Tony

[Douglas]

Tony,

The US-spec cars were consistently fitted with options like power steering, an automatic transmission and removable hardtop, particularly towards the end of production. The Euro cars, on the other hand, were almost a bespoke machine. Some people ordered sunroofs (rare), luggage and driving lights, while others ordered them without power steering or even a soft top. (My first car was a Euro and was ordered with a hardtop only, though it was a Coupe/Roadster so it had the soft top well.)

I would assume that your data card is accurate and that the car has just been personalized over the years. The hard pockets in the doors are a dead giveaway that it's a European model. You may also notice a European temp gauge and little things like no "defrost" diagram on the chrome between the ventilation levers. Little things like that.

[Garry]

Tony,

I suspect your car was purchased in Germany by an American at some point and used there before being brought back to the USA and they or follow on owners have tried to spec parts of it to a US car. eg lights, head rests, side markers, like some Americans now try to spec their cars to the European models with Headlights, no side markers.  I gues it all depends on the flavor of the month.

Garry

[Tonys113]

Thanks Gary and Doug for your responses. The more I look the more I am convinced that It's a Euro Made to look like a US.
We do just think is GRAND and can't wait for the good weather to arrive.

Tony