Solution for missing ashtray lid

[Brenco]

Hi all,

Just a thought...
Last year having a hole in my centre console where an ashtray should be I bought one which was in very good condition ie chrome was good. It cost 35 euro from an ebay seller. Not bad considering a new one is 250 euro approx. I knew the lid was missing so having spent fruitless internet trawls looking for one I thought of a solution. It solved another problem I was thinking about which was how to record the interesting international ownership history of the car.

The solution = See photo below. It is a pair of chrome-look plates on which the names of each of the car's five owners plus the country in which the car was resident at that date. Hope that makes sense! They are stuck to a piece of leatherette to match MBTex/leather. Total cost was 20 euro. Maybe not to everyone's taste but solves a problem until I want to get the elusive lid!

[ejboyd5]

I like it - great idea.

[Jonny B]

While I know I am a stickler for details, I have to admit, I really like this custom touch. Very, very clever, and well done.

[Brenco]

Thanks lads. Just thought it might be worth sharing...

[49er]

Very cool and you are so very lucky to have your car's history as well. When I bought mine, MBUSA sent me a nice little plaque with my name on it along with a silver star medallion. It is affixed on the tray just behind the ash tray.

John

[Brenco]

John,
Have read your posts over the last while with great interest as I know you are the go to person for originality in the pagoda! Thanks for the positive reply to my idea. Just wondering about the story behind the plaque and the silver star medallion. Was it the norm for first owners of the pagoda or was there a special reason why you received it?

Breandan

[Jonny B]

I won't speak for John (49er) but even up to the mid-80's Benz supplied a small plaque with the Star logo and the owner's name. I still have mine from the 190 E I purchased new in 1984.

[kampala]

Brenco,

my 250 (bought from orig owner) also had this plate with logo.  It was attached to face of glove box so I have removed it and saved it.

[neelyrc]

....but even up to the mid-80's Benz supplied a small plaque with the Star logo and the owner's name.

I wonder if it was a policy of MBNA to have their delivering dealers supply.  I did not get a plaque with my factory delivery.

[49er]

Thanks Breanden, folks like Jonny, Kampala, Achim and many others are the real "go to" guys on this board. I am just lucky enough to get one of these cars new and able to keep it about 99% original condition.  I am always happy to try to be of help in answering questions. Ralph, I didn't get a plaque with the 250SL either.

John

[Brenco]

Interesting MB started a customer relations exercise that was very personal and unique- (I have never heard of this being done by other manufacturers). Do any of you know when MB started doing these personalised plates and when in 80s they stopped? On another track was the plate affixed by MB to the interior prior to picking up the car and if so was there a definite location in the car for it?

[49er]

Can't remember if the dealer had it latter or it came in the mail but the car was not delivered with it. I picked the the tray as it was not so obvious. Has my full name but I photoshopped it to just John:-)

John

[Brenco]

Good location John! The idea is not far off what I've tried to do with my plates even where you placed it but the embossed MB star it looks great...This club is a fund of knowledge!!