Author Topic: 1964 all-model option: undercarriage protection  (Read 1893 times)

Jack the Knife

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, FL, Vero Beach
  • Posts: 332
1964 all-model option: undercarriage protection
« on: December 08, 2022, 16:25:27 »
Quoting the passage under section VII, Miscellaneous Accessories:
Sheet steel shielding of sensitive parts against flying rocks and ground scraping for all models.

Just as well, under section VI. Extra Special Equipment, there can be found:
Special Export Version A: for extreme climatic conditions and bad roads; all models except 300SE will be equipped accordingly, upon request.
Special Export Version B: for extreme climatic conditions; all models will be equipped accordingly upon request.

I'm supposing those special versions were equipped with various options that exist elsewhere in the catalog depending on the customer's needs. I can see stiffer springs and shock absorbers, low compression ratio engines, high altitude parts, carb de-icing (like an airplane!), and various other options.

But back to the point: were any W113s equipped with such special equipment, particularly undercarriage protection? What did that look like?
1964 230SL
2015 G550

Jonny B

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, San Marcos
  • Posts: 4198
Re: 1964 all-model option: undercarriage protection
« Reply #1 on: December 08, 2022, 16:35:59 »
I am attaching a scan from the 230 SL Parts book C 10126, the picture would also be in the small parts book, 12126.

It is also shown in the 250 SL parts book A 10128. It is not in the parts book after that.

This is listed as Group 52 - Undershields
« Last Edit: December 08, 2022, 16:47:16 by Jonny B »
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor

Jack the Knife

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, FL, Vero Beach
  • Posts: 332
Re: 1964 all-model option: undercarriage protection
« Reply #2 on: December 08, 2022, 16:42:51 »
I am attaching a scan from the 230 SL Parts book C.
This is listed as Group 52 - Undershields

How interesting! Many roads in my town were paved with shell or millings back in the 60s, ironically this was particularly so in the nicer areas, and is still the case today. And this certainly was common across many beach areas around Florida back then. It seems the undercarriage protection would have been a useful option.
1964 230SL
2015 G550

JamesL

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • United Kingdom, London, London
  • Posts: 3607
Re: 1964 all-model option: undercarriage protection
« Reply #3 on: December 08, 2022, 16:59:39 »
Late-member Naj had a car that was originally delivered to (I think) Kenya and his car had some of that stuff on it.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15897.msg109573#msg109573
James L
Oct69 RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

Jack the Knife

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, FL, Vero Beach
  • Posts: 332
Re: 1964 all-model option: undercarriage protection
« Reply #4 on: December 08, 2022, 17:10:51 »
Late-member Naj had a car that was originally delivered to (I think) Kenya and his car had some of that stuff on it.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15897.msg109573#msg109573

That is a great thread, and I love the old photo of the Rallye. I suppose this very well solves it for me. It doesn't seem like the plates may have been very useful. I can't help but think that modern lightweight protection for the undercarriage might be useful for some members who drive their Pagodas all over.
1964 230SL
2015 G550