Luggage wanted

[Jimbo1907]

If anyone knows of a source for the Hepco luggage that was an option on 113, 109, and 111 cars in the late sixties and early seventies, could they let me know? I would like to get a set in black. There is one original set on eBay- four suitcases for $8500. That's steep, and I hope to find something less expensive.

From what I can determine, Mercedes switched suppliers in about 1958, from Karl Baisch hard sided cases, which I think were covered in leather, to soft-sided cases, which appear to be vinyl (I have not seen a set of these up close, but I have seen the Baisch cases, which are nice to say the least, but not correct for my car) I have not been able to find anyone reproducing the vinyl soft cases.

Both my 111 and 109 cars have black interiors, and I believe the same set of cases were sold for use in both cars, so one set would do for showing either of them. (this isn't about using the luggage to travel with, it's more like an accessory item) I showed one of the cars last weekend, and it did well, so now I have been bitten by the concours bug etc etc etc.

Any information gratefully received. And, of course, if anyone has a set and wants to part with them, I'd be happy to know of it. Thanks to all, in advance.

[Tom]

I am aware of a recent sale of a 5 piece Hepco luggage set for $13,500.  I thought prices were high when a set sold about 4 years ago for around $6,000. 

The luggage on e-Bay looks different from my luggage in that it appears to have a rigid aluminum frame at the opening.  Perhaps this luggage was meant for another make or model.  Also possible that I am not interpreting the photos correctly.

There are sources that are reproducing the vinyl luggage.  Pricey for a faux copy of faux leather. 

[Jimbo1907]

Tom. I think we met several years ago when you were kind enough to host a group of SL owners at your place. This is if I remember accurately.

I don't know whether the luggage for sale in FL is the correct set for a 111 or 109 car. Both of mine have black interiors, so I could show either car with the set. Do you have any contacts for anyone who is reproducing the Hepco luggage? I thought about buying the set on line but I would at least like to see what else is out there before buying his, since they cost so much. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

[thelews]

To me, that EBay luggage does not look anything like the Hepco luggage introduced in 1959.  I have the complete, original Hepco luggage set that was offered until about 1963-4 or so.  Then for the 113, there were some slight tweaks (no corner leather pieces), the color was changed to brown (and I think possibly black, not sure).  The set I have would have been used in various Mercedes including the 190 SL like I have, and the early 230 SL.  To my knowledge, no one is reproducing this luggage, at least not a reproduction worth buying.  Original sets are essentially unobtanium and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.  Notice the brown Pagoda luggage pictured has the same closure hardware as mine, which was the last version of lock in the beige colored set.

[Jimbo1907]

Thank you for posting. I don't want to spend $8500 on the wrong items, that's for certain. Any idea where I could find a photo of the proper luggage set for a 1971 Mercedes?

I am figuring that the factory probably only offered one make of luggage at a time, so in 1971 it would have been Hepco, from everything I can determine. Really the question is what did it look like? That's what I need to know, first, before I buy anything or try to have it reproduced.

Thanks for this information.

[Tom]

I would suggest you search this site for more on luggage-you will learn a lot.  Attached are a few photos.  I believe the luggage changed in the mid 60's where the round latch was changed to a sliding rectangular latch.  Also a picture of a combination of rare accessories-luggage, luggage rack, and sunroof.

[thelews]

Any idea where I could find a photo of the proper luggage set for a 1971 Mercedes?

Didn't I just show it to you in the last picture of my post?  Lock/latch changes occurred but the luggage remained the same.

[Jimbo1907]

I didn't put the question accurately. What I meant was is the set for the 111 and 109 cars the same as the one for the 113? They have larger trunks.

[smackYYZ]

There is a re producer in France who is making fitted luggage for our Pagodas. No idea what the pricing looks like, but the quality of the workmanship looks impressive.
http://www.laurentnay.com/8-mercedes-reedition/37-mercedes-pagoda

Seems the 190SL crowd like their work.

[thelews]

The idea in 1959 was to come up with the "soft" set of luggage, 7 pieces, that could be ordered individually or as sets.  The pieces of varying sizes were able to be used in multiple MB body styles.  The 113 cannot hold all the pieces and you could order what you wanted.  The soft luggage was not model specific.  So, the answer is the luggage would be the same style, but different quantities, sizes and pieces were used for the various models.  The luggage itself evolved from the original 1959 beige/tan to the brown (and maybe black?) later on (1964 or so?).  The 300 SL continued with only the hard Baisch luggage, I think.

I'd like to see pictures of that French luggage before I bought it.  Are there any?

[Tom]

I am trying to understand why someone would buy reproduction luggage.  It will be expensive, has no real story to it, and if you are in a car show, the fact that it is a reproduction would hurt, not help your score.  And it has no resale value IMHO.  I bought my luggage 15 years ago for $600.  As a store of value, it has been outstanding.

Perhaps I am missing something and I am open to other views on this.

[thelews]

Original is hard to source (especially Hepco).  Reproduction completes the look for show.  All things being equal a car with repro luggage will score better than one without, but a car with original (if it's nice) will score better than repro.

You got lucky on your purchase, congrats.  Today original is very expensive.  I agree, spending a lot of money for incorrect repro is a real waste, but if it's correct and high quality, then it can be a justified for some buyers.  I'm not aware of any of the latter for Hepco, but have seen beautiful hard Baisch luggage reproduced (easier).

[Tom]

My car is not worthy to enter into a show so I really don't know how a judge would view luggage or any other accessory.  I guess it depends on the show.  If it is a *Show* (Concours), I am not sure the judging sheet has a place for accessories.  If it is a *show* (peoples choice, etc), then having the luggage, luggage rack, ski racks, engine light, etc. would be eye candy that would gather attention and points.

But I speculate.  Perhaps JonnyB or Pete Lesler could opine.  That might help you with your decision to buy reproduction or original.  You can find original, you just have to pry it out of the hands of the holder with lots of cash.

Best,

Tom

[thelews]

I own the full set of original Hepco posted above.  Maybe you put my name in by mistake and meant Jimbo, the OP. I'm not actively looking for any for the 113.

[Jimbo1907]

I did get a photo of the luggage made in France, and am considering getting it. I think it is very close to what the Hepco looked like, and because the Hepco luggage was vinyl, it is less expensive than leather. I'll keep you all posted.

Two of my cars have black interiors and are the same model year, so I could show either of them with this set. I'm mulling it all over.

[thelews]

picture?  Price?

[Jimbo1907]

Give me a day or two. I have to email them about the order and I will ask them to send the photos so I can post them. I will try to put up a link to their site if I can.

[thelews]

This guy?

http://www.laurentnay.com/8-mercedes-reedition/37-mercedes-pagoda

[hauser]

Where can I get the leather straps? 

[Dave H]

Got mine from Ollie Dare if you mean the luggage straps in the trunk .

ollie@dareclassics.com or by telephone at 916-212-6018.

[hauser]

Yes the luggage straps!  Thanks

[Jimbo1907]

Yes, that guy. I am going to order them this week. I may also get a smaller set for my 113 car.

[thelews]

Price?

[Jimbo1907]

I think about E2300 plus shipping.

[thelews]

I think about E2300 plus shipping.

thanks, how many pieces is that for?