Mystery 113

[bogeyman]

I track Ebay USA for 113s daily and sometimes come across one that makes me go "what is that?"

Here is an example:  http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-Mercedes-Benz-SL-Class-280-/160781634425?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item256f550b79#ht_500wt_1182

Advertised as a 280 automatic
VIN is a 230 stick
230 Radiator tank - 280 brake reservoir
230 dash - 280 door panels and headrests

[glenn]

He is right. ..    The story is 'absolutely stunning'. ..

[badali]

Vin # shows it is an early 230 SL...  Not a 280  I wonder what title info they have

[rmmchl]

weird-It has 280sl type seats, and a 280sl rounded dash. 230 and 250sl had a more squarish type dash trim. Also it has side lights that  were on 280sl's

[mdsalemi]

Really isn't THAT much of a mystery...

Restored with 280 parts.
Assumption that if you change the engine from a 230 to a 280, you now have a 280.
Safety updates including headrests and sidelights.

A bit misguided from a purist standpoint, but I'd think it is far from the only car so equipped!

However--this kind of stuff borders on the unethical if not illegal.  See this:

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2012/04/12/ohio-man-busted-for-trying-to-sell-cloned-chevelle-z16-as-the-real-thing/

If it was born as a 230SL, it is and will always be a 230SL and nothing else...

[twistedtree]

The ad was pulled and re-posted yesterday with a more accurate description of the car; a '65 230 with an upgraded 280 motor.  No big deal now.  No mention of the trans being different than original, but it's advertised as what it is.  If you are a purest, this isn't for you, but there are lots of cars out there like this that have "evolved" over their life, and for non-purests I think they are just an enjoyable as any other Pagoda.