?? European Pagodas How to Find One??

[ctm14]

I have begun my search for my 250/280SL.  I really like the clean lines of the European models without the side lights and bumper guards.  I am wondering how one goes about finding one whether it be in the US already or if importing one is a reasonable option.  I am concerned that I am looking for a needle in a hay stack with the features listed below.  Please let me know your thoughts and where I should be looking.

* Manual transmission
* Air Conditioning
* Approaching show quality but drivable
* budget 40-50K

[Richard Madison]

I'm driving a Euro car found by accident. When looking a couple of years ago, I did not have Euro in mind as Euro version cars are not common in the US, probably less than 10 percent

I searched high and low in the usual sales venues going thru my check list. Eventually the  car I bought just happened to be a Euro car.

You could Google "Mercedes 280sl for sale Euro" to see what comes up.

A word about Euro version looks: some others share your appreciation for the clean lines of the Euro cars and have modified US Version cars to look like Euro cars by installing Euro headlights, removing the fender markers and bumber guards. But these cars are not original Euro version cars if that's important to you.

I guess it is possible to locate a Euro car overseas. I'm not familiar with the Pagoda market outside the US.

If the look is important to you and not originality, you will have a lot more choice of cars if you find a nice US version car then do the mods described above...can always be reversed to the original look. Estimate new Euro headlights at about $1200 with the chrome surrounds...removing the fender markers needs only a hole fill-in and paint blend to cover up the scars. The bumper guard holes can be plugged with Chrome buttons or perhaps used to install a pair of Euro looking front fog lights...original Hella fogs are on Ebay from time to time, maybe $100 to $150 a pair.

If it is important that the car be an original Euro version car, you can look for the Euro signs. A Euro 280SL will have stiff door pockets (not baggies), may have Kilometer  Speedo and Celsius temp gauge, mirror in the passenger sunvisor, a data plate on the passenger side of the firewall...no bumper guards or fender markers (except for the distinctive Italian orange button light on each front fender.) The only definite "proof" is the data card which will show the ordering dealer country and the country of first sale.

For a look at a Euro example, take a look at Ole Beige on the Photo Forum.
 
Richard M, NYC driving an Italian version 1969 280SL   
   

[al_lieffring]

European-spec cars of this era, of any brand or model, almost never came equipped with air conditioning. The Frige-King A/C that was sold with the Pagodas was made by Borg/Warner in the USA and installed either by the selling dealer or at the port of entry. It is possible that a few of these units made thier way to Europe and was installed at point of sale on a new car, but not very likely. The good news it that after-market A/C units are available with quieter, more efficient, rotary compressors at a reasonable cost.

[Cees Klumper]

I would repeat Richard's suggestion to get a US spec car, then make the few modifications needed to get the Euro 'clean' look. By the way, the chrome surrounds on the front lights are interchangeable, so you can you the US light surrounds for the Euro lights. I've done the US-to-Euro modification myself, as have done many. And as Richard points out, it is reversible.

[Andres G]

Hello,

I would not be too pesimistic in regards of finding a car that fits your prefference. I believe the only challenge will be to get an Euro spec car with AC like Al suggests.

However, do keep in mind that Euro spec cars are as scarce as Richard states, and that you will in turn spend much more time looking for a car while letting US spec examples go by which may be in pristine condition.

If I were you, I'd check out the Silver 250 SL that Brian (www.motoringinvestments.com) has for sale. It's within your budget range and an Euro.

Good luck.
Andres G

[ctm14]

Thanks everyone for the information.  I thought this might be what I was up against.  Andre, I have looked at the silver 250 at motoring investments and really like it but it is 10K above my budget.  I may give Brian a call and stop by and check it out in person perhaps he will be willing to deal on it.  I have a few questions below I could use some help with.

* If the 250SL at motoring investments is an Italian car why doesn't it have the small circular fender lights?

* Why doesn't it have euro lights?

* What does it cost to add a/c?

Thanks for the info

[thelews]

230 SLs and early 250 SLs do not have the bumper guards and markers.  You could then hunt for the headlights.

[Andres G]

According to Brian, he replaced the side markers when repainting the car by his own choice, as well as replacing the old headlights with US Spec ones. When I talked to him about the car, he wasn't too stuck on his asking price and was willing to deal with me (I too wanted to get the car with Euro headlights).

Unfortunately, I'm not sure how much would it cost to install the AC on it.

Andres G

[saygold]

There are a number of companies that can supply an AC unit for these cars.  Buds Benz is advertizing one for $1575.  I installed one of their units in my 230SL (Euro) a number of years ago, and it was relatively simple. 

Best regards,

Ken 
'66 230SL (Euro, 4-speed)

[Eryck]

If you are not an originality freak, then the modern a/c units will be fine but I heard that if you want the a/c to be 'period correct' then it's not so straight forward.  But then, as a previous poster said, there are a lot more a/c units in the US so it might not be as bad...

[mespe]

Look no further,,,

[mespe]

I would repeat Richard's suggestion to get a US spec car, then make the few modifications needed to get the Euro 'clean' look. By the way, the chrome surrounds on the front lights are interchangeable, so you can you the US light surrounds for the Euro lights. I've done the US-to-Euro modification myself, as have done many. And as Richard points out, it is reversible.

And where can you find the "hotter" european cam?