front wheel well gravel protectors ?

[zak]

I was browsing thru my old stock of Star Magazines( a fav hobby of mine) and I came across an article on the restoration of a 1970(?) 280SL in white/gray with red interior in the July/August 2009 issue.
There is a full page image on the last page.  Stary Eyed is the name of that page with unique photos. Sorry I can't attach the image.

The owner did a fabulous job in every respect. In 2 of the images I can see what looks like body colored mud flaps or gravel protection mounted to the rear of the front wheel wells.
They hung down just below the bottom of the rocker panel. Maybe they were 8" wide by 20" high. I could not tell if they were metal or rubber but they seem to fit the contour of the wheel well pretty well.
I have never seen these before. I checked the option codes and found nothing. 
Is anyone familiar with these?   

jz

[Jonny B]

Traveling now, but I have the back issues. I am intrigued by your question, and will take a closer look on Thursday.

[zak]

Sorry I could not attach the images.

jz

[doitwright]

The car you are referring to was Bob Possel's car. He documented the restoration extensively on this forum. If I recall,  shortly after he completed the restoration he put the car up for sale on consignment at Motoring Investments. You can still see pictures of it on their site. Last I heard, Bob sold it to go after a 190SL to restore.

[Garry]

Bob's car is here in Australia now but I have not seen it since the 50th gathering.  It is somewhere local around my home town. Maybe at the annual Merc concourse gathering in a couple of months it will be there.  Will keep an eye out for it.


Garry

[hauser]

Here is a link to Bob's car when it was on sale.

Could the referenced Gravel Protectors actually be the inner wheel well shields?

If I counted correctly it's the 37th car listed.

http://historic.motoringinvestments.com/MainPage.htm

[Jonny B]

I believe hauser has the correct listing from Motoring Investments.

I would also surmise that the referenced gravel protector is the black inner piece. This actually should be painted body color. At least that is the way it is in my 280 SL.

[zak]

The gravel protectors/wheel well shields were body color the pagoda in the Star issue I mentioned.
What are inner wheel well shields if I may ask?  Were they an option?

jz

[hauser]

Body color is correct.