Nice car on ebay

[Tom]

This looks to be a very nice original car.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4523628305&category=6338

Note the reference to "unmolested".  Not trying to start anything, just thought the seller may be playing to our recent vigorous discussion over this term.

I have no affiliation to the seller-just passing this along.

Best,

Tom

1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Deep Red (Project Car)

[hauser]

What are those two boxes behind the battery?

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[Tom]

Those two boxes are relays.  One is the speed relay and one is the RPM relay.

1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Deep Red (Project Car)

[TA250SL]

The description says it has an eight cylinder engine.  Maybe it's a typo.

Tom

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by Tom

This looks to be a very nice original car.

The eBay text says the seller bought it from Hatch & Sons.  It could be a well kept original or they could have done a complete restoration.  Either way, it looks like a very nice car.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[hauser]

The engine bay looks very original.  The H&S cars for the most part are usually of a high caliber. I would lean towards believing it's an original.  All this said I must add that I know the owner of the car and can tell you that when it comes to buying he only buys the best.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[Jonny B]

Engine bay is very nice, but the fuel injection lines and other linkages are not the cad plated yellow. But if truly original, maybe just the fading due to time. Still, looks like a very nice vehicle. $35K witht he reserve not met!

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[Douglas]

In my opinion, I think the seller is making a mistake by putting a car of this caliber up on ebay. It's clearly an exceptional example, but he now runs the risk of it becoming "that car from ebay that didn't meet reserve." It will feel passed over. Part of its mystique will be gone for the foreseeable future.

(If you absolutely HAVE to sell a car of this caliber on ebay, then at least lay out an attractive page in HTML with oversized pix throughout, not the standard ebay auction layout.)

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Tom]

The other side of the Ebay story is that an item on Ebay gets worldwide visibility that some other reputable firms just can't get.  This car is an excellent example in that it is likely already sold to an overseas buyer that saw it on Ebay (I have been in contact with the owner).  This is especially relevant given the Euro/US exchange ratio.  However, I imagine that if one were to hurry and meet the reserve, the car can be kept in the States.

Again, no affiliation with the owner.

Best,

Tom

1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Deep Red (Project Car)

[Douglas]

That's certainly good news for everyone here. I'm glad to hear the seller found a suitable buyer.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Mike Hughes]

quote:Originally posted by Tom

Note the reference to "unmolested".  

Look through just about any classic car magazine at the ads posted by U.K. and European specialist firms and you will see plenty of cars described as "unmolested."  It means what it means, and is in common useage in those markets.  Think of it this way:  In the States, the designation "Classic" refers to specific ligh line models built before WWII.  Mercedes has the "Classic Center" catering to M-B models up through the 70s or even early 80s, including pre-war "Classics."  On the continent, cars that in the States are loosely called "Antiques" are called "Oldtimers."  Take the time to recognize and understand that some words may have different connotations when used by different members of our diverse international group.

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

[Kenneth Gear]

What do you suppose a car in this condition (assuming its as described) is worth?  My guess is $40K isn't unreasonable.



Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red

[Douglas]

I doubt if Hatch would've sold it for less than $60K.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Bob G ✝︎]

"I noticed one of the emission lables missing on the two small boxes on the left side of the engine. How does an unmolested car loose this decal so quickly Humm?

Bob Geco