A very original 1969 280SL !!

[jacovdw]

...was a number stamped on the boot/trunk lid?

The short answer is yes.
My '64 230SL has the number stamped in the left upper corner of the trunk lid (with reference to facing the open trunk lid).

[Iconic]

the BLACK rocker panel covers

Tom,
Since you capitalized the BLACK, can I assume you believe the rocker panel color is black, and not dark grey?
If so, can you tell me what year your car is and how and why you believe the rocker is original paint? Or do you have some other source to know this fact?
There is another thread where several other original cars have stated the rockers were painted dark grey from the factory.
Any information would be helpful.

[Shvegel]

I always copy the photos of the nicer cars on the site to use for reference material.

[starmelt1]

A letter from MB says that the 5 speed manual option was not available on a USA version car due to limited demand. I didn't know a 5 speed was not an option on US cars.

Was it only demand or was there a difference in the manual transmission's of USA and Euro version cars?

Richard M, NYC

I know that was not case if the owner opted for the European Delivery plan as in early 1970's, as we had a customer order a uniquely painted mint green with dark green top and dark green leather interior with a 5 speed ZF trans. He toured the summer in Europe in that car and it was shipped to us to service in late 1972. Always my most  favorite of any Pagoda that I wish I could own today. I often wonder what happened to that machine.