Author Topic: build date vs title year  (Read 3219 times)

motomoss

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build date vs title year
« on: May 26, 2015, 21:12:10 »
My understanding is that Mercedes cars are titled the year they are first reg. I have a 230 SL built in July of 1966 but the title states 67.  Is this truly a 67 or is it actually a 66. My question is based on the fact that a car could have been first reg. any number of years after it's production date if it did not sell right away. Can anyone clear this up for me?

Thanks

vin#11304212017226

49er

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Re: build date vs title year
« Reply #1 on: May 26, 2015, 21:22:51 »
Mine was built in July '68 and Delivered in September but is a '69 model. From my understanding September was the model switchover date in the US.

John
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77217 miles
7280 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

66andBlue

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Re: build date vs title year
« Reply #2 on: May 26, 2015, 22:49:51 »
Hello John
very interesting! Does your VIN plate indicate the model year or was it based on the dealer's invoice?
Because according to Engelen's book VIN 005585 received the first entry for model year 1969 on October 1, 1968;  and the change over for model year 1970 happened on July 31, 1969.

motomoss:
AFAIK, Mereceds did not market the 230SL with different model years but starting with VIN 012354 on August 6, 1965 many changes were made and the model received a significant upgrade but nothing drastically happened in the summer/fall of 1966.
« Last Edit: May 26, 2015, 22:53:58 by 66andBlue »
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

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Re: build date vs title year
« Reply #3 on: May 26, 2015, 23:55:05 »
Hello Alfred,
 Always been registered a '69. Here are copies of the sticker and invoice. Funny when I noticed "Bamboo" scribbled for the trim. No computers to fill out the paperwork back then :D
The VIN tag on the door frame has no model year indicated.

John
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77217 miles
7280 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010