My stolen 250SL

[Simon Baker]

Hi All

I had my Moss Green 1968 250SL stolen Last Thursday from outside on the street  (with a cover on).

I am in London W14 (Holland Park) and the car was stolen by two guys with accomplice(s) who were driving another car.

Car is probably on a ship already.  I am convinced it was stolen to order.

Simon B

Another 250sl was stolen in North London two weeks ago.

Photo attached - had owned it for 14 years.

Just a warning to any other owners in London or even the UK generally

If anyone sees such a car being driven ............

[garymand]

Is there anything you can share to help us avoid such a disaster?  Doors locked. ignition disabled, jostling alarm, gps??

[Simon Baker]

Gary

I think in my case a switch, remote to the ignition disabling it.  A security lock on the steering wheel. Probably a tracker is the best idea combined with the disable.  Cars in London are regularly uplifted onto trucks rather than driven away.......

I had a locked cover on the car to make it anonymous...

Simon

[scoot]

Given how camera-friendly London is, I'm amazed that someone would steal such a car and end up on video and with car plates.  I'm very sorry for your loss and hope that the people are caught and your car is recovered.  Perhaps we live in times where it isn't safe to park special cars on the street at night.   At least never in the same location.   It shouldn't be like this.

[iftykhan]

Hello Simon,
I truly am gutted for you.
Might I suggest you contact the various specialists with a more detailed description just in case it reappears somewhere with different reg etc.
In view of this problem sadly becoming less rare, might I suggest a stolen register to include even the smallest details of missing cars which could be sent out to reputable specialists and vendors on a regular basis.
Obviously the information would not be for general viewing and should not be posted here!

I would recognise my car even if had been respayed a different colour.
Just a suggestion......?

Ifty

[Simon Baker]

Yes, Scoot we have the cameras in place and operating, but they are all owned by different organisations who don't co-operate or have the automatic protocols in place to share information......bit like having a car and no fuel.  I think in most cases footage is not observed at all.

Ifty thank you for your kind words, yes I also would recognise my car also if it were resprayed - I have owned it for 14 years and have spent a lot of time on it - however I probably won't get the chance if it is in South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, China.......

I have circulated information to as many contact as I can think of, but these guys are serious criminals and I think the 250sl  stolen in NW8 two weeks ago is probably linked and possibly two others in the last month I have found out about since mine was stolen.

MY advice to anyone at least in the UK is think about a tracker - it probably won't stop it being stolen, but it will aid a recovery. 

[ejboyd5]

Perhaps the best thing you can do now is to post the serial number (VIN) of the stolen vehicle along with any other identifying marks so that the members of this Group can serve as additional "eyes" in the search.  Might be a good idea to also post this information on one or more of the general M-B sites that have a less specialized and therefore wider audience.

[Simon Baker]

Yes good point the car has a VIN number of 11304322003407.

Just the soft top which is a cream colour.

Registration plate is KSN881F.

Obviously right hand drive.

Door mirrors both sides.

[iftykhan]

Probably best not to list too much info for all and sundry to be able to view.
The little sh..s who have taken your car could use this to their benefit.

[garymand]

Both mirrors!  Nice,  bigger bummer, when the car is personally special.

[Filippo]

Very sorry to hear this Simon.

I live in W14 too and thought it was a safe place to park. I have a blue SL 280 LHD but never leave the car out at night.

Hope you had a least insurance. Will keep naturally an eye open.

[dwahi]

Sorry to hear that Simon. Hope you will find it soon. Did you have guaranteed insurance on it? I agree about the tracker, its a must have nowadays as our cars are easy pickings for professionals.

[Simon Baker]

Sadly not Dwahi

About 3 years ago I couldn't find a classic policy that would insure me for a car parked on the street (I used to like to use a classic on a daily basis) so I ended up with a normal policy with Aviva - who I have yet to talk to about the claim - although I have reported it.....

Rgds

Simon