Looking for some opinions on these two cars...

[Alan Smithee]

One is obviously more original, the other restored (although there are some non-original parts visible).  Both have been for sale for a while now...what are fair prices?  And does anybody have experience with either dealership?

Thanks in advance...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-Mercedes-Benz-280SL-4-speed-STUNNING-SURVIVOR_W0QQitemZ260119774783QQihZ016QQcategoryZ6338QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1971MERCEDES-280-SL-ABSOLUTELY-BEAUTIFUL_W0QQitemZ220110662489QQihZ012QQcategoryZ6338QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[RickInTex]

Alan,

I have some familiarity with Aventura, and I'd suggest you be cautious, especially if you're not close enough to see the car in person (always a good rule).  They didn't sell me my pagoda, but the seller was in Southampton and they were familiar with it.  They did a prepurchase inspection for me, and while they were honest about some things, I didn't learn about until it arrived--e.g., the spots of rust on the underside.  (They said it had no rust.)  They also said that the mileage seemed original (~ 44k), which I couldn't believe, when I got the car.  They sell quite a few, so they should've known enough not to claim that.  If you can't see the car, get someone independent to do an inspection with lots of photos.  In my case, I think they were doing a favor for the seller, and the inspection came with some spin.  So be cautious.

Rick

Rick
Dallas TX
1967 250SL, 4-speed

[Alan Smithee]

Thanks for the heads-up, Rick.  While I prefer the Aventura car, I am on the west coast so it is geographically undesirable.  But if they have a stellar reputation in the SL113 community, I'd be more willing to take the leap...but it sounds like maybe they don't.

[Kenneth Gear]

While I am guessing you have already checked out these two West Coast options, I thought I'd remind you.  As far as I know, both have good reputations although I have no direct experience with either.

www.oursl.com

www.motoringinvestments.com

Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red

[philmas]

Hi Alan Smithee!

I was wondering (and the question is obviously to everyone in this forum!)what could be this "solenoid" (or so?) attached to the throttle linkage on the intake manifold.
I thought this was some kind of idle regulator associated with autotrans (i.e. to speed up the idle when shifting in first gear).

My '71 manual 280sl hasn't got such a device.More interesting, the picture shows the "tobacco" 280sl to be a manual trans.So what?

Download Attachment: 2075_20.jpeg
58.68 KB

[Cees Klumper]

I think that is a throttle return damper, if I am not mistaken.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[perry113]

It's always best to inspect the car in person. I have no experience with either dealer.

When it comes to rust, in my experience, many sellers never fully disclose the truth. These car are notorious for rust.When you go to see the car and you find the hidden rust issues, it always the same story from the seller. "Gee I never noticed that". Be very carefull buying a Pagoda site unseen. Bring a magnet. The more info the seller gives the better. The sellers that don't know and have little info are the ones that don't want to know.

If your not the best judge on how to fully evaluate a Pogada during an inspection, then hire someone who does to do the evaluation prior to purchase. Remember, there's alot of shiny turds out there on the market and there selling them for a reason.

Just remember when you buy a used car you buy all the former owners too.

As as fair price, it all depends on condition, condition , condition. The better the car the higher the price.

My feeling is if you can afford the better of the 2 cars, then buy the better car.
 
Good luck in your search and purchase.
Peter Perry

[Alan Smithee]

Thank you for the responses.  (Although with 140+ views, I expected more!)

I've bought many used German cars over the years, so I know the drill with regards to PPIs and rust.  I guess my post was more specifically to determine if any W113 experts had considered and passed on these cars for any reason; the beige one especially is advertised as all original, appears to show well, but has been on and off eBay for almost a year.  And as I inquired in a previous post, if Aventura's reputation is good enough to trust their restoration work (they seem to move a lot of W113s).

I do check oursl.com and Motoring Investments frequently, but it's hard to find a really good 1970-71 manual without AC in the $35-45k range...they seem to either be $25-35k and poorly restored or in bad original shape, or $50k+.

[bbryant]

I purchased 67 Jaguar xke from Monte Shelton and was pleased with the car. I would definitely inquire about rust.

[hands_aus]

quote:Originally posted by philmas

Hi Alan Smithee!

I was wondering (and the question is obviously to everyone in this forum!)what could be this "solenoid" (or so?) attached to the throttle linkage on the intake manifold.
I thought this was some kind of idle regulator associated with autotrans (i.e. to speed up the idle when shifting in first gear).

My '71 manual 280sl hasn't got such a device.More interesting, the picture shows the "tobacco" 280sl to be a manual trans.So what?

Download Attachment: 2075_20.jpeg
58.68 KB

Philmas,
The solenoid on the inlet manifold was also installed on manual cars with air-conditioning for the same reason.

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[philmas]

@hands_aus

Thank you!This is a confirmation that this car has been modified in some way.
I also noticed the alternator was in a different location on my own car, possibly because of an a/c compressor .