Author Topic: Eye Opening Reviews  (Read 2597 times)

mdsalemi

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, NC, Davidson
  • Posts: 7031
Eye Opening Reviews
« on: August 10, 2004, 07:56:06 »
Yesterday I said that everyone should get the Brooklands Gold Portfolio; I did this based on Doug Kim's advice.  Last night I sat down and began to read in earnest the reviews starting with the 230SL of 1963.  Some eye-opening information, probably due to pre-production information--

1)  A full-width bench seat was supposed to be available, and it was indicated that this would be most certainly taken with the automatic!  Isn't that a hoot.  Has anyone seen a rare factory bench seat??

2)  The fuel injection system was supposed to maintain a low idle RPM of 350.  Mine idles smoothly at about 700; I can't imagine much lower...

3)  There was an indication of the elusive "California Coupe" for the US market; Pete Lesler's Holy Grail.  But just because it was indicated it existed doesn't mean it did (see bench seat), hence his quest.

4)  One report indicated that the soft top can quickly and easily be REMOVED with 4 screws (is this true??) for "winter stowage" in your garage as you fit the hard top for winter driving!  Perhaps this is better then leaving it all scrunched up inside the tonneau whilst the hard top is installed.

5)  Unless I am misunderstanding the reports, it was indicated in many reports that the cabin temperature is controlled not by the flow of coolant, but by the mixture of heated and ambient (cold) air.  I don't think this is the case, as my '69 most certainly has the coolant flowing through a control valve behind the firewall through an adjustable valve; this adjustment is controlled by a wire from the heating control levers on the dash.

6)  Legendary MB fit and finish debunked!  The main reason why body parts fit so well was ample use of body lead!

What interesting things can you folks pull out of these early reviews?

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
2024 Ford Mustang Mach Ex PEV

Cees Klumper

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Fallbrook
  • Posts: 5700
    • http://SL113.org
Re: Eye Opening Reviews
« Reply #1 on: August 10, 2004, 14:28:57 »
point 4: I think this is correct

point 5: in order for the heat to function, you need to let in some outside air. I think that is what that was referring to.

I have the Brooklands Gold Portfolio and it's great fun to read.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II