Roman Bartl's Excellent Adventure

[mdsalemi]

Hi Gents,

Braving the horrendous rush hour traffic on I94 late this afternoon--only to get in worse traffic on I275, one of our newer members, Roman Bartl, decided to take a drive from Ann Arbor to Novi to pay me visit with his newly-acquired 1967 230SL.  Those of you going to the Columbus meet next weekend that stay until at least noon on Sunday will hopefully get a chance to meet him and see his car as well; he can only attend the tail end of the session on Sunday.

It is a fine example of a 230SL, one of the nicer ones I've seen.  Restored some time ago and well cared for since, with air!  A few things need attention, but this is no surprise as all of our cars need something.  Beautiful engine compartment, remarkable condition seats, detailed trunk, etc.

Just so nobody is alarmed (as I was) there are some ungodly cast aluminum aftermarket bumper overriders; they are somewhat larger then the factory US spec models, and the cast aluminum is a peculiar add to the bright chrome.  They appear to be fastened differently as well--perhaps with a hole right through the center of the bumper rather then through the top.  They are not new and show the patina of age.

The car is an excellent driver and would show well, too.  I did suggest some new tires--any tires--prior to the trip to Ohio as the old XZX's were worn unevenly and appeared to be quite a few years old.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[bpossel]

Michael,

Since you mentioned being alarmed about the unstandard overides... my car also has a somewhat ugly addition, change...

When I bought my car, I bought it as a daily driver, and at the time didnt worry too much about some earlier body enhancements made by previous owners...

Anyway, I hope that no one is shocked when they see my car at Joes next week.  A previous owner installed thin door trim along the middle of the doors.  I guess this was to protect against door dings...  Since these are rivited in, I will not remove them until I repaint the car sometime in the future.   I really "hate" that this was done to my car, but overlooked it focusing on the original engine, general mechanics of the car, and no rust.

I would assume that there are many cars out there which were changed over the years, and now we all face the challenge of returning these great cars to their original splendor.

Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[CarlG]

My car also had door trim installed along the middle of the doors when I got it.  I had them removed when the car was painted, however, something to be aware of, it apparently is more difficult to smooth out the aluminum so the doors look a little "wavy" when seen at the right angle and light conditions.  Make sure you have someone who knows aluminum remove them and fill the holes.

1967 230sl (stick)

[isofast]

Hi Mark Carl and Bob see you all at Johio

 Early US bumper overides are in my opinion large and ugly. I thought that a pair from my now departed parts car that I had were aftermarket (not chrome and fastened different) so I junked them for scrap. Then I read (I think here?)about the large ugly bumper guards or do you call them overrides? Are indeed factory.I cant say for sure if they were a factory deal or dealer add on until the DOT strongarmed Benz into importing Pagodas with guards...or do you say overrides? Tomato tomatoe Potato potato.

Ernie

First Place AACA Show Winner 350SL July 2003
I love low mile Mercedes.
First Place AACA Show winner for 2004 280SL
1969 280 4spd Papyrus White