When is a Euro no longer a Euro?

[n/a]

I've got a 230 SL that I've been trying to sell.  I had someone ask for pictures to verify if it was a Euro model or not.  He looked at the headlights and said it is not a Euro model.  I also know that it has the non-original 3 color tailights.  But I know it was sold in Germany, has metric instruments, the 4 band radio and the Euro bumpers as mentioned in this post:

http://index.php?topic=2354+model

So the question is, when does a car that may have once been a Euro model, no longer become a Euro model?  Is there a strict definition?  I don't want to tell people it is a Euro model if it's not, but I also don't want to do the opposite.  Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks!

Dan

1965 230 SL Euro 4 speed
2004 230 SLK

[Douglas]

Dan, do you have a data plate in your engine bay by the brake booster? There's a single-digit number on the plate that will tell you which country it was originally configured for.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[n/a]

Euro models will always be just that, even if you change the lights and instruments. You car is probably a Euro, or maybe even a Canadian version. Do you have a data card?

Tom Hanson in CA

[Ed Cave]

I have to agree with Tom. Once a Euro, always a Euro. It may have had some modifications but it is simply still a European car that has been somewhat modified.

In this case, it is a Euro car with American headlights.

And I am supposed to be able to think clearly and make sense at this time of the day.

Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA

1964 356C
1971 280SL
2002 SC430
2004 A4 3.0

[Benz Dr.]

Canadian cars back then were set up like US cars with all the same lights and guages. Today, they are more like euro cars but still have US style bumpers and safety equipment. One thing that was put on our cars before the Sates was DRL sytem. I know of cases where someone from Canada would get pulled over and told to turn they're head lights off.
 '' I can't officer, really I can't ! ''

My 230SL was definately export to Italy. What number would that be?

Dan Caron's
 SL Barn
benzbarn@ebtech.net
 slbarn.mbz.org

[J. Huber]

Hi Dan. It looks like 543 was the dealer code for Italy. It would be on data card -- not sure about on the car somewhere. I don't think that info is on my car itself.

As for Euros being Euros... Talk to it in German, if it runs better -- its a Euro!

James
63 230SL

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by bigdanh

I know it was sold in Germany, has metric instruments, the 4 band radio and the Euro bumpers. When does a car that may have once been a Euro model, no longer become a Euro model?

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

My 230SL was definately export to Italy. What number would that be?

I believe this thread will show the data plate number that both Dans seek.  Look at the post by Klaus:
http://index.php?topic=2712

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

[n/a]

Rodd,

Thanks for the link to that post.  Here's a picture of my data plate:

Download Attachment: data plate.jpg
47.82 KB

I think it shows that the car was indeed marketed to be sold in Germany, if I'm reading the "2" at the end of the second line correctly.  If I am correct, then I would think that this would definitely be a Euro car, correct?  So basically then I could tell any potential buyer that it is a Euro car, but the lights have been changed (that was my real question to begin with).

Thanks for everyone's help!

Dan

1965 230 SL Euro 4 speed
2004 230 SLK

[Douglas]

Dan, that's correct. You have a German model based on that "2." It's interesting to note that you probably have a Roadster since there's only one color indicated on the plate and no hardtop color indicated.

If you have a hardtop it was probably added later. Look for the number stamped into it and I'll bet it'll be different from the others you find on the car.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[n/a]

Douglas,

Thanks for the affirmation and info.  Is there any other difference between a Roadster and a non-Roadster (I'm sure there's another name for this)?  Where might I find the stamp on the hardtop?  

Thanks again!

Dan

1965 230 SL Euro 4 speed
2004 230 SLK

[Douglas]

Dan,

You have to take the top off to see the number. It's under the rear window and stamped into the metal on the edge that rests against the body. I forget whether it's on the left or right side. In your case, the number should be, I believe, "3890." Look for that number on the edge of the hood (if it's original), on the inside of the tonneau cover lid on the driver's side, and on the v-shaped body-color plate underneath the transmission.

And to answer your other question, there is no difference between a Roadster and a Coupe/Roadster aside from the very heavy and expensive hardtop.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220