280sl luggage for sale

[ricrose]

Saw this a couple of minutes ago - thought it was worth noting on the forum.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-SET-OF-4-FACTORY-LUGGAGE-PAGODA-280SL-W113-280SE-HEPCO-EXTREMELY-RARE-/300756924641?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item46068278e1&vxp=mtr

I see only ships to USA - so no interest here, but I would be surprised if there wasn't plenty of interest as they look in GREAT shape, and a full set, with keys - 

Normal disclaimer applies

Richard

[708uvr]

Sounds like a very dodgy seller indeed!  

Seriously though, I was pleased to see that someone posted my auction on this site. As many of you know, I've accumulated a lot of obscure Pagoda parts over the years and this is one of them. (BTW, prohibiting international sales was an oversight and now corrected.)

I still love these old cars and will one day own a 3rd Pagoda. Just too focused on other things in my life right now.

I do hope all is well with this community of users. And please know that I am as fond of this community of enthusiasts as I am of the cars themselves.

All best,
Douglas Kim
1970 280SL (now owned by Craig deVine in Bellevue, WA)
1970 280SL (now owned by Nix Colley, London)

[paults1]

Will this set fit a early 230Sl with the vertical spare tire?

[708uvr]

Yes, they would fit an early 230SL. The scan of the white 230SL indicated in the auction is an early 230SL shown in an early 230SL brochure.

[mdsalemi]

I see only ships to USA - so no interest here, but I would be surprised if there wasn't plenty of interest as they look in GREAT shape, and a full set, with keys - 

The listing information says, "International Buyers Welcome" so anyone can bid.

As an experienced eBay seller and buyer, I can tell you that the eBay international shipping calculator is WAY OFF; giving wildly inaccurate shipping amounts that raise flags and ire at the same time.  I've also discovered, (and don't take this for any kind of xenophobia) that I used to spend an inordinate amount of time calculating shipping costs for foreign (non-USA) interested people who never followed through with a bid!  Now, I only list international shipping when I can be darn sure of the actual shipping cost; on large items, or ones I have not packed up (dimensions and precise weight are critical) I simply tell interested parties to check their own shipping costs, 'cause I'm not doing it for them!

[114015]

I still love these old cars and will one day own a 3rd Pagoda.

Will you _please_ post under your old forum's name "Douglas" ?? With 2701 postings?

 

Not to annoy you anyhow, Doug!
Welcome back to the Group! Really good to see you back after such a looong break!

All best from Germany,

Achim

[john collins]

Hello Douglas,
These are absolutely the right factory suitcases for the W113 series.  I had a set with my car,that I sold several years back.  One thing though - if you are selling all four cases in one auction, you may be making a mistake, selling two sets as one.  I could only fit one large and one smaller case in my trunk (under the strap).  I also had the very small makeup case with mine.  Once those three things were in the trunk, no more would fit.  You may want to split this into two auctions, two sets.

John

[Cees Klumper]

The material that these cases are made from, is that leather or vinyl?

[Douglas]

After some effort, I recovered my log-in info and am now back as "Douglas." Thanks to all for the kind words, helpful suggestions and inquiries. Here are my responses:

Material: Despite the hangtag from the manufacturer that reads "Lederware," the Hepco luggage is made from naugahyde/leatherette/vinyl. You'd think they would use MB Tex, but it's not. For what it's worth, it's strong material that is still pliable after 40+ years.

Selling 1 set vs 2 sets: I appreciate the suggestion. That would probably be the way to get the highest dollar figure, but I'm happy to let the auction run its course as it stands. Fitting the luggage is a modular task with different configurations for different models. For example, I'm guessing the early 230SL with vertical spare should be able to accommodate all 4 pieces in the trunk -- 2 stacks side by side and perpendicular to the tail panel with the large piece (option code 291) on the bottom and the medium case (option code 292) on top. There's also the rear parcel shelf for additional storage behind the seats, reminiscent of luggage storage inside the preceding model, the W198.

All in all, this is a pretty obscure option that is probably only of interest to people who like esoteric details and who get a weird sense of satisfaction reuniting old cars with old original options from back in the day.

[thelews]

All in all, this is a pretty obscure option that is probably only of interest to people who like esoteric details and who get a weird sense of satisfaction reuniting old cars with old original options from back in the day.

I don't think you're enhancing your auction by calling potential customers weird. 

[Montreal V8]

Hey, don't worry about "weird"  --  I, and, I suspect, many others, have been called a lot worse !

[Cees Klumper]

Plus Douglas is including himself in the category, given that he purchased the set(s) to begin with! So then it's ok. 

[Douglas]

To fully appreciate this option, you have to appreciate the subtle qualities of the piece and of the brand as a whole back in the 60s. This is not something everyone has a feel for today.

Specifically, I like the fact that the luggage fits like a glove in the boot, but is not "branded" in any way. No logo of any kind. So unlike today's luggage made for Mercedes -- and most modern luggage as a whole -- it does not scream the name of an upscale brand to everyone who sees it. It's understated and well-made, just like the cars themselves.

Imagine that. Buying an expensive car and not taking every opportunity to lord it over other people. By today's decadent standards, that's practically weird.

[Dave H]

whoah .....$6600.....i bet the winner of that e bay auction keeps that from his wife...imagine when it arrives..yeh honey,got them on e bay..100 bucks !!!
seriously though im jealous to death , they are going to look fantastic in this lucky persons car .

[Jack Jones]

I bid 5K on a ZF transmission and people thought I was crazy. What ever floats your boat.