Were 230sl's made in 1967? or 250; in 1967?

[mcreasy]

I purchased a car but it is a 1967 230sl after researching I am thinking only 250sls were made in 1967 so is it possible for 230sl's to be made in 1967 also?  Or is the car really a differant year? Thanks Mary

[eauctioneer]

1967 230sl do exist. They are very rare now a days due to the fact there where only 185 units manufactured according to the MB Production Numbers for that year. They were replaced by the 250sl in January of 1967. You can call the Mercedes Classic Center (1-866-MB-CLASSIC: 1-866-622-5277) to get a copy of the original data card. This will give you valuable information regarding your car. Good luck and congrats.
Brian

[mcreasy]

Thank You so much for your info...I love this site and group I will be joining as soon as I get some more info and time!! Thanks again for the # Mary

[KevinC]

Mary,

You have probably found out by now that you certainly CAN have a 1967 230SL. Technically speaking, there are two ways to look your car's "birth" date; either as MODEL year or PRODUCTION year. In the US, your car is titled by the MODEL year which typically begins in September of the year prior. Lets face it, the average car owner is rarely interested in what date their car is produced, only car nuts with a thirst for knowledge like us ever even inquire about the production year.

So back to your question...230SLs with a 1967 model year designation were produced from September 1966 through January 1967. 250 SLs were produced starting in November 1966 (as 1967 models) through December 1967. Starting with September 1967, they were designated as 1968's.

Hope this has helped!

Kevin Caputo

PS: My 1967 230SL was actually produced in October 1966 so she just celebrated her 44th birthday!

 

[graphic66]

My 66' 230SL was made in November of 66',  delivered to the US and is registered as a 1966. It seems there is always mysteries with these cars.

[J. Huber]

Just a related story. So I have had my 1963 230SL for a longtime -- so I kind of know a bit about it. Anyway. I was once in a bookstore in downtown Santa Barbara back in the 90s, browsing the classic car books. I had found a nice spread that featured a Pagoda (I do this a lot!) and was staring fondly when this woman walks by. Says what great cars... I said I have a 63. "No you don't, they came out in 1964." Huh. "Well no, mine is a 63." She was insistent -- said the first year was 1964. Ok whatever. Even had me questioning myself as I got back in my car to drive home...

With the advent of this site and others I now know I was correct -- mine was both built and delivered in 1963.