Chrome molding

[TATO]

Hi everybody;
My 230sl 1965, came with a chrome molding between the two rear bumpers underneath the rear license plate, is that original for that model because lot of 280 sl do not have this
Thank you all

[dtuttle123]

That's a detail from a European 230SL - it may have been added later if you have a US Version.

[Jkalplus1]

My German 64 230SL does not have it.  Is there a way to tell if all Euro 230SLs were born with that molding, or if it was an optional item?  I am wondering if it was there originally but got discarded during a restoration.  Thanks.
Jerome

[hkollan]

Thats's a standard part on all european version w113s wether it's a 230, 250 or 280.
Hans

[Garry]

Hans

Not standard on Australian delivered Euro models nor I believe on UK Euro models, i.e. RHD models.  Maybe only  standard on LH Euro's?

[hkollan]

Hans

Not standard on Australian delivered Euro models nor I believe on UK Euro models, i.e. RHD models.  Maybe only  standard on LH Euro's?

Garry,

Ok, let me rephrase that. This molding is a std. Part on all Australian version pagodas destined for european delivery, possibly with the exception of UK delivery cars.  

Hans

[66andBlue]

Not so fast Garry, Hans is not necessarily wrong.
The 230SL parts list shows p/n 113 698 00 81 for all 230SL (LHD & RHD) and the 250SL/280SL parts list also shows 1 per model (LHD & RHD).
In addition you need three other parts to mount the moulding.
Of course, if the trim is in the way of the license plate (as on USA models) then perhaps the AU and UK dealers removed it before delivery to the customer?

[Garry]

I think I lost something in translation but none of the Australian cars had the item, it does not fit with the licence plate in any of the States and those that now do have been added by owners or after sale by dealers.

Australian delivered cars which I think are classed asl Euro models, and the same as UK models as distinct from the US model

[hkollan]

It would really surprise me if this item first was mounted at the factory and then later was removed by AU and UK dealers prior to customer delivery, since that would involve removing the rivets and closing the six holes for the rivets before painting the rear panel.  

After some searching I believe I found the correct code for this.
 It is code 621 valid from 01.10.1962 that states "Export license plate (elimination of license plate molding)"
Maybe someone with a datacard for an Australian delivery car could verify this.

Hans

[Garry]

I agree hans,  I could not see them mounting then removing them.  Here is my data card. and also the rear before strip and after strip for paint and there is no indication of previous holes

[hkollan]

Garry,

A little confusing as there is No code 621 to be found on your data card. But then I also noticed that the country code is not for Australia but 402 which according to the technical manual means Tourists (except USA). That might explain why code 621 is missing.

Hans

[Garry]

Hans,

In my case the car was ordered through a Mercedes Dealer in Sydney to Australian Specification for pickup at the factory and used in Europe for a month before shipping home.  A lot of Australians did and still do that as it can save some taxes and imports as well as some substantial dealer charges here at home.  The longer it is kept overseas the greater the reduction in import duties and in 1965 the duty would have been between 35% and 47% of the cost of the car.

Having said that, I have only seen one or two of the chrome pieces fitted to cars here and in each occasion it has been the owner fitting it.

My other Pagoda, a '69 280SL that I recently sold came from Scotland and did not have the item fitted. I have had a look at its data card and it does not have 621 either.

Maybe we need an UK or other AUstralian to look at the data card to see if there is a 621 listed.

[Gary Crutchley]

Guys,

here's the data card for my Australian delivered 1965 230SL.  Below is what I beleive to be the easy to read version:-
chassis number:   113 042 20 006425
engine number:   127 981 20 005660
transmission number:   005816
front axle number, l:   066370
front axle number, r:   066345
rear axle number:   006598
steering box number:   232664
exterior color code:   670 - light ivory body & hardtop
interior color code:   114 - natural mbtex
option codes:
401   single seats
416   hardtop mounted
461   instruments in English
471   export version for bad roads / oil bath cleaner
525   1 kg lacquer
619   lamp unit LH traffic  / rear turn signal lamps orange
621   export license plated
668   mode of packing VE I
737   soft-top fabric, brown

For the record it doesn't have the chrome strip and there doesn't appear to be any evidence of one.

[hkollan]

Hi,

Seems that this datacard for an  australian delivery car pretty much confirms that code 621 was indeed used for this purpose.

Hans