Key Fob - original

[thelews]

My 190 SL friend is reproducing the original key fob that was used on Pontons.  This fob was also used on the 230 and 250 SLs with the three metal keys, before MB went to the single plastic and changed the fob.  My friend with an original 230 has one.  Anyone else?  I never see one for sale.
First pic is of originals, the rest, my friend's repros.

The nice thing about this style is you can carry all the keys, but not have them swinging and banging the dash.

[Richard Madison]

John:

I bought an original MB key holder about 10 years ago when I still had my previous Tobacco Brown 280SL. I collected everything then.

I eventually sold that car and the key holder. I'm a much less intensive memorabilia collector now and have not tried to replace the key holder.

It's been a while, but I don't remember the holder having a red snap. In my fading memory the whole thing was grey.

Richard M, NYC

[thelews]

John:

I bought an original MB key holder about 10 years ago when I still had my previous Tobacco Brown 280SL. I collected everything then.

I eventually sold that car and the key holder. I'm a much less intensive memorabilia collector now and have not tried to replace the key holder.

It's been a while, but I don't remember the holder having a red snap. In my fading memory the whole thing was grey.

Richard M, NYC

The 280 keyholder was different, it changed when MB went to the single key, double sided, with the plastic end.  It looks like the one in the picture below.

[MichaelB.]

I'm in. I will want one at the Masterpiece! Dark Brown available?

[Darren]

Where/how can these good looking repros form your friend be purchased ?

Thanks

Darren

[thelews]

When he is ready to sell them, I will post his ad which will have all the information for purchase.

I think dark brown can be had as a special purchase.

[Douglas]

The fob Richard posted is the fob that came out a couple of years after the 280SL, but to my understanding is very similar to the one found on a 280SL with a single key -- exact same shape, but it should not have a logo embossed into it, nor does it have the texture of the earlier fob. It does have the brass screw on one end and red snap closure though.

Great collection of pix from John. I just confirmed in my 230SL literature as well.

In any event, the current owner of my first SL has a black 280SL fob like the one I described.

Certainly this would be very easy to reproduce.

[thelews]

My friend is gearing up, you can reserve yours now, if you like.

A Father’s Day gift or a special treat for the serious Mercede’s collector - soon to be for sale. These are close to exact replicas of the original key fobs handed to those who purchased a 190SL, 300SL, or a 230SL, or Ponton back in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. We will be presenting them for sale within the next month, first and exclusively to our 190SL, 300SL, and 230SL club members at the special price of $59.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling within the USA, and $10.00 outside of our borders. This special price offer and key fob availability to the MB club members will be for a limited time only. We are presently in the process of stocking our inventory, so that we may have sufficient volume in the colors you request. Please send an email to Anthonyjoseph57@comcast.net , give your name, address, year and model of car, how many fobs you would like to order, and the color (available in red, black, tan, and blue with special colors available upon request for an additional fee). Your response now will give you priority placement for shipment. When the ordering process begins, we will email you with payment instructions and other important details. That simple!
 
 
 
Can you tell which one is the original rare key fob? These are high quality, hand made proudly in the USA, and certainly worthy of a few extra Concours d’Elegance points at your next competition. Undoubtedly, a collector’s piece in the making.

 
 
Shhhh, discreetly drop this where your children will find it. Happy Fathers Day!!! Special packaging included with every fob.

[Darren]

My order placed !

Thanks for this..

Darren.

[MichaelB.]

Mee too! 

[71Beige280SL]

These look great. I ordered two! One black and one tan.

[Dutch Pagode]

I am also on the list!! 

Thanks,

Henri

1964 230SL

[49er]

 Just thought I would post a couple of pictures of my original Key Fob that came with my 280SL for comparison with the reproductions. I am amazed that I found it after all these years as I normally keep the keys on a different ring

John

[thelews]

Hang onto that fob, it's gold!

I don't have a 280, as you know, but I thought I remembered on my mother's '71 280 SL that the one key with the plastic head worked everything, ignition, doors, trunk, fuel.  Was this not true of all the 113s that had the plastic 2 sided key?

With the correct post length for the fob, I'm surprised the plastic key and two others would fit, unless the screw is not all the way in.  The post/screw do look original.

[49er]

Hang onto that fob, it's gold!

I don't have a 280, as you know, but I thought I remembered on my mother's '71 280 SL that the one key with the plastic head worked everything, ignition, doors, trunk, fuel.  Was this not true of all the 113s that had the plastic 2 sided key?

With the correct post length for the fob, I'm surprised the plastic key and two others would fit, unless the screw is not all the way in.  The post/screw do look original.

The early '69s had three keys and yes, they all fit in the fob, although you can't quite tuck the ignition key under the fob's flap when not in use. Everything you see is original. I don't use this set for "everyday" driving but have another original set of keys (without a fob) for that.

John

[DaveB]

Good looking product and great sales pitch. I vote for the one on the left being original, solely because of the tarnish on the brass screw! I'm ordering a red.
Dave

[thelews]

You are correct on the one on the left being the original, and the screw is the giveaway.  I hope you enjoy yours.

Below, attached, is the formal ad for the fobs with ordering instructions going forward.

Thanks.

[49er]

$300 for an original! It is almost worth it's weight in gold. I guess I better lock mine up

John

[thelews]

$300 for an original! It is almost worth it's weight in gold. I guess I better lock mine up

John

IF you can find one.  I haven't seen one for sale in ages.  In the Porsche 356 world, an original, excellent shape key fob will sell for $3000.00!!!  That is not a misprint.  I bought my excellent repro for that car for $125

[MichaelB.]

Hey guys... Just wanted to tell you all that I got my 1st fob (I ordered two) and I am here to tell you that I am absolutely impressed.

Wait till you see the packaging, and the detail spent in the presentation. You will really like it. Not to mention the fob. It is sublime.

I am not going to hesitate in saying that THIS is just how we would like product to turn out for us. From the initial contact - down to the delivery - and of course item quality. All well done and right, just as we would hope & expect from a premium branded product.

Bravo.

[Darren]

Mine arrived today to the UK. Very happy with my Fathers Day present (to myself I may add) and makes me realise this is exactly what Owners Forums should be all about....sharing a great product at a very sensible price point.

Darren.

[merrill]

Received my blue FOB today.  very cool.

Its just large enough for the 3 keys.....

[thelews]

Its just large enough for the 3 keys.....

As was the original.  Glad you like it, so far, everyone has.

Thanks.

[Kemal]

Just sent an email, better late then never!! 

[MichaelB.]

I am fully equipped with two of these now. It really does fit three keys well... But... What if you have a fourth (locking gas cap) ? I am at a loss of what to do with my gas cap key!