fitted luggage measurements

[Flyair]

I found a local craftsman in Poland, who is happy reproducing the fitted luggage for Pagoda. The only two conditions he asked is to provide him with pictures, which is easy, and ideally with measurements of each piece or any other detail that may help.

His work and pieces of luggage made in his shop for other cars were all first class at a price (for the time being) well below the levels seen on eBay and elsewhere.

So here is my question: would anybody have such measurements and possibly other details describing the luggage that would help to prepare patterns for it?

I promise that once he makes the first set and I am satisfied, I will share the source with everybody:-)

[thelews]

Is this the soft, Hepco luggage he's reproducing?

[Flyair]

Thelews,

I was rather thinking of something like shown on the first picture in the post below

http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17015.0

[thelews]

The hard case is incorrect for the 113, the soft came into use by MB around 1958.

[Flyair]

John
I have to completely agree with you, yet… I wonder if I'll not transgress (once more ) the rule of originality…  I find the line that was conceived for the 300SL model so much classy...

[thelews]

Oh, it's neat stuff, a holdover from the days when luggage was carried outside the car and strapped to it.  Before closed boots became standard.

Another pic of the Pagoda set

[Dave H]

Last August somebody on the forum sold a set of the 4 original matching luggage on E bay, it went for about $6500
The Ebay advert and around a dozen close up and in detail pictures can still be viewed on Ebay by following this link.
I am sure that with these pictures, plus some measurements, which i think are also in the advert a skilled upholsterer could make a good replica set right down to the lining.Go for it...i would like a set !
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-SET-OF-4-FACTORY-LUGGAGE-PAGODA-280SL-W113-280SE-HEPCO-EXTREMELY-RARE-/300756924641?

[Dave H]

The picture John ( thelews) posted of early soft luggage...is this an early soft luggage from mercedes as it is differs slightly to that set that was on sale on Ebay.
Are both types correct ?

[thelews]

So far, Hepco has not been reproduced.  The wooden boxes are much easier to reproduce, which is why the Hepco is so rare and prized.

[Dave H]

No its just that the locks and other items in the picture you posted are differant from the ones that were on sale on ebay and pictures i have seen elsewhere.
Was this suitcase from a 230 or 250 ?
Is there 2 differant styles

[thelews]

Hepco used three different styles of locks that I'm aware of.

The Hepco I'm most familiar with is from the 121 model, 190 SL, as well as Ponton sedans and the Heckflosse.  They were creme and tan color.  The all brown seems to have evolved to the 113.  Hepco came into use in 1958 and is pictured in MB catalogs.  Baisch hard luggage was phased out.

[66andBlue]

Luggage could be ordered in different configurations depending on the model.
Here are two pages from the 1966 "Special Equipment" list.

[Tomnistuff]

It looks to me like the set in the White Pagoda advertisement as well as the set in the Dark Blue Pagoda advertisement (attached) are the same as the set in the Ebay ad that sold for $6,600.  Additionally, as suggested by Dave H, the dimensions were listed in the ad.  They were listed as:

"Included in this set of 4 pieces are 2 large (18.5" x 32.75" x 8") and 2 medium (17" x 23" x 6.25") dark brown suitcases with ivory moire lining. The set comes complete with working locks, brass hardware, and 4 original keys with Hepco hangtags written in German. "

It appears that the photos would be good enough to even duplicate the lining and luggage interior design.

I sure would like to have a set.  I find the EPC difficult to understand, but it appears to me that my for car, a late 66 230SL Italian Version, a "Normal" set would be one large one and two small ones, and without the overnight cosmetics case.  Can someone sort out the conflict between the advertising photos and the EPC.

Tom Kizer

[Flyair]

I greatly appreciate all the info provided and feel that reproducing the set is a few steps closer than before. However, as usual, I started to have some doubts whether the shape and dimensions of the luggage set remained the same over time. The boot shape changed as the spare wheel changed position, so the space left for the luggage also changed its shape.

Anyway, I spoke today with the craftsman and gave him the measurements that were quoted in the eBay description. He suggested that he will shake up cardboard boxes based on the provided measures and we will try in my boot (late 280 model). Then we will take it from there.
By the way, I also think about the space behind the seats, where one or two pieces with angled front would fit very nicely...

To be continued....

[CraigD]

Stan,
I have a 5-pc set of the Hepco luggage : One large, 1 medium, 2 small, and the small case.  Let me know if you want any measurements or any pictures of insides or details. I attached a picture of the 2 smaller cases stored behind the seats. It works great... I just can't slide the seats all the way back when they're stored there.

Craig

[66andBlue]

... I just can't slide the seats all the way back when they're stored there. ...

What if you put them upright, are they then too tall? Just curious.

[thelews]

I believe the largest one stands with the handle on top behind the seats.
The large case is about the width of the rear shelf.


These cases were of uniform dimensions for years.  The idea was not to have custom luggage for each car, but versatile luggage that could be configured a variety of ways in several MB models.  More efficient and less expensive.  Not to mention much lighter and easier to handle than wooden boxes.

[Flyair]

Again, a lot of fresh and useful information. Many thanks

Craig,
I would appreciate a lot if you could help on that. obviously more details you will be able to capture, more realistic the outcome will be. If this is not asking too much, please send me the measurements and some pictures of the outside and inside. I will show it to the craftsman and if doable, he will certainly ask for more details. Once more, thanks for your kind kelp.
BTW, to avoid overcrowding the site, please use my mail indicated on my profile page, unless there are some members that wish to follow that topic….
 

 

[thelews]

I'm confused Stan, are you trying to reproduce the hard or soft luggage now?

[Tomnistuff]

Craig, your luggage appears to be slightly different than the luggage in the previous photos in that the latches appear more modern.  They are completely rectangular rather than a circular receiver and a skinny rectangular hinged striker.  Were yours bought with the '70 280SL?  That would make them seven years newer than those created for the early cars.  I wonder just how many versions there were.

Tom Kizer

[Douglas]

Have to chime in here. Yes, there are 2 different styles of late-model Hepco luggage for a Pagoda SL. For some reason, the black sets have nickel-plated rectangular hardware and the brown sets have round brass hardware. I've only seen it this way. Perhaps others like Tom Sargeant can comment. Glad to see renewed interest in this obscure factory option.

[Flyair]

I'm confused Stan, are you trying to reproduce the hard or soft luggage now?

John
The question is very purposeful. After reading the posts and gathering the info provided so far, I spoke with the guys that would do the work about both options. They were kind enough to accept that the project and preparation of forms will not be counted twice. So the answer is that at this point I am following both routes.

[Flyair]

I thought you may want to get an update for this project.
1. Based on pictures and information gathered from other forum members, especially Craig, who kindly provided me with detailed descriptions, thousand of detailed pics and measures of all elements, the craftsman, who will reproduce them started to make cardboard models.
2. He will work on two ideas:
- a correct reproduction of Pagoda models (i.e. soft set as shown on pictures sent by Craig or shown below).
- luggage set made according to Pagoda measures (like the set above), but with hard case and looking more like the 190 set, something that can be seen on the forum here
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=17015.0;attach=16666;image

Both sets will be designed as just boot/trunk set or with additional two luggage pieces to fill the space behind the seats.

The color, material (leather, or MBTex-like as well as interior fittings will be selected afterwards. The manufacturer will have exact MB color codes and will be able to match for example the upholstery color or just plain black or brown. The first set should be ready in May, so well ahead of the 50th Pagoda anniversary. I think it wouldn't be bed "motoring" through Europe in style with such pieces of luggage

By the way, I am doing this on purely "enthusiast basis". The point is that this project makes sense if a group of a few people can be gathered, which would make the costs of doing the job acceptable.

to be continued….

[Brian in NL]

I'd be interested in a set if they're not too pricey. Looking forward to hearing how they turn out!

Brian

[Alf]

Hi Flyair. Sorry coming late to this post. I had some luggage made up for my Pagoda in 2010 including 2 angled cases for behind the front seats. Here's the link from back then with photos and a link to the company that did it.

http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=12436.msg84291#msg84291

Cheers