Hi All,
I am currently in the process of looking to purchase a 250SL. (I have yet to see the car, I only have pictures send by the owner) The owner has also sent me a carfax report showing the some history of the car which shows the VIN number as 11343 10 000068 making it and very early 250SL and the car also shows the deatils of being and early 250sl. However as the car is some way from me, I contacted a Classic Mercedes specialist (they source and sell / restore classic mercedes).
with with intention of having them inspect the car. After sending them the photos, he came back to me saying that they know of the car and that there are problems with it, mainly concerning its identity. He suggested it was a 230. He has send me a photo of a VIN plate he says is on the car. (i have attached this below) Not only is this not the one shown on the carfax report, it also appears to be strange in that it the the prefix No 113042 of a 230sl and yet stamped next to the VIN 250SL. all a bit odd.
the VIN plate photo from the specialist also identifies the car as being Auto where the car is in fact Manual.
Do you think that the specialist is trying to put me off the car to try and sell me one that he can source, and hence earn his commision?
i have asked the owner to photo the VIN plate, but he assures me it is the same as the one on the carfax report. I don't quite know what to think. I would very much like your opinions, before i plan a trip the view the car in the metal.
many thanks for your help.
DM.