"automatic" trunk badge?

[twistedtree]

I've seen some 230 automatics with an "Automatic" trunk badge under the "230SL", and some without.  Was that only done for some range of production years or something else?  One of my 230's I believe to be approximately the 200th automatic built (engine #12-000200), but it doesn't have the "Automatic" trunk badge.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Peter

[dtuttle123]

Hi Peter - I'm pretty sure that the "Automatic" trunk badge was only on EURO models.

[Jordan]

Peter, I am taking this from John Heilig's publication "Sports Car Color History Mercedes-Benz SL".  It says the 230SL came to the US as a 4 speed manual or 3 speed automatic.  Only when automatic transmissions became standard did the "automatic" nameplate disappear.  IF your car is only 200th built I would have to say that it should have the "automatic" nameplate.  Hope this helps.
Marcus

[Richard Madison]

Pagoda VIN numbers might more reliable than engine numbers. VIN numbers never change while  engines can come and go. Of course a Data Card can be of help here.

According to Gunter Engelen, (had access to Pagoda archives), the first 230SL with auto transmission had VIN number ending 000600 and was built 07 Oct 63.

The first Pagoda with an "Automatic" badge had VIN ending 007205, built 23 October 1964.

There was about 1 year from the first Automatic tranny until the first Automatic badge. The first production year auto tranny Pagodas did not have the badge.

If the VIN of the "200th" automatic 230SL ends below 000600, then it was not fitted with an automatic badge according to the source cited.

Richard M, NYC

[Norm]

For what it is worth.... my 66 230, date of delivery - October 10, 1966, came with option code "254"  "Elimination of lettering 'Automatic'"

Norm

[J. Huber]

Then again there are a few cars with the badge on the other side. Maybe its not correct but I kind of like it this way. Funny thing is I believe it was like this with the original paint and there are no signs of holes on the left...

[dtuttle123]

Ah, another mystery! 

Maybe the trunk was replaced from a later car, and then the 'automatic' badge was added back - but on the other side.  That would explain why there are no holes under the 230SL badge.   

[thelews]

I never liked that badge, way too much on the trunk lid.

[twistedtree]

Thanks for the info, and thanks to whoever moved this to the correct forum.

The car is #0001946, and motor #200.  The motor is original as confirmed by the original data card.  If I follow everyone, it sounds like the 'automatic" badge both came and went after this car was built.  I think the mfg date is Nov '63 off the top of my head.


oh, and what's with the 3-speed automatic?  Everything I've read says the automatics are 4-speed.

Thanks again.

[Jordan]

Hey, I'm only quoting what the book says.  I have a manual so I wasn't thinking about the automatic.  Did it come out as a 3 speed auto to start?

[twistedtree]

Hey, I'm only quoting what the book says.  I have a manual so I wasn't thinking about the automatic.  Did it come out as a 3 speed auto to start?

Another mystery, I suppose.  I also read that the "4-speed automatic" starts off in 2nd gear in all drive ranges except "2".  "2" is the only range where it starts in 1st.  That effectively makes a 3 speed.

I too am only regurgitating what I've read.  I look forward to the day when I have one of these cars running and can see for myself :-)

[thelews]

Another mystery, I suppose.  I also read that the "4-speed automatic" starts off in 2nd gear in all drive ranges except "2".  "2" is the only range where it starts in 1st.  That effectively makes a 3 speed.

I too am only regurgitating what I've read.  I look forward to the day when I have one of these cars running and can see for myself :-)

Unless you floor it and hit the kickdown switch in the drive ranges other than 2. First is good for pulling stumps.

[krlock230]

Richard
 I have a 63 230 SL with the automatic badge, I can't say for sure that it's the original trunk lid because I'm the third owner but I'm fairly certain it is.  This car was built for the German market (maybe that makes a difference) and I brought it back to Canada in 1990.  I am out of town right now so I can't check the VIN # but I will when I get home as I'm fairly certain it is in the 600's.  If your interested I can let you know.

Ken