How to identify a classic center Mercedes restoration

[Buzzsaw]

I'll be sending a lot more info. but I need to know the easiest way to find out if my car is a Euro car or US car and if it was indeed restored by Mercedes directly.

I really appreciate all of your knowledge in advance

[Lorsar]

Do you not have any documentation for the car?  US or Euro would be tge country code on the Data Card.  Easiest way to find out if it was restored by the classic center would be to contact them.  They would likely keep records on that.

[Cees Klumper]

I imagine anyone who has their Pagoda restored by the Classic Center would want to hold onto the $200K or so in invoices that would apply (as in, put in vault) and would use that as a selling point when they sell the car on?

[thelews]

You could contact CC and ask

[Jordan]

I'll be sending a lot more info. but I need to know the easiest way to find out if my car is a Euro car or US car and if it was indeed restored by Mercedes directly.

I really appreciate all of your knowledge in advance

Your data plate in the engine bay drivers side next to the brake master should have a country code on it (last number in the 2nd or 3rd line of numbers).  That would tell you where your car was originally sold (7 is for US, 2 for Germany, etc).  Look in the tech manual or post a picture of it and we can assist.

[rwmastel]

Buzzsaw,

Welcome to the Group and thank you for registering today.

What DO you know about this car you bought?  These are some basic questions that the seller should have been able to answer, and I hope you educated yourself while shopping. The country code is on the plate as pictured.

[Buzzsaw]

Thank you everybody who posted on this. I will give you a lot more info as I get it. I bought three cars out of a collection.

I have some three-ring binders and I'll go over the identification marks that you mentioned. and also reach out to CC. I appreciate it and I will definitely provide pictures and documentation soon

[Buzzsaw]

Here's the ID tag you mentioned by the brake booster please help me decode it.

[Buzzsaw]

Here's an outside shot I'll go through the binder tomorrow and send more details. Thanks again have a full restoration photo book.

[EeVeeWee]

Four cars! Lucky you. 

[Jordan]

The 5 on the data plate means it was a European delivered car outside Germany.   You would need the data card to determine exactly which country. 

A two tone car is also very nice.  I have never seen that combination before, medium blue metallic with a black hard top and hub caps.  I'll bet that looks really sharp in the sun.

[Vander]

The outside appearance is a Euro car. I only have one photo to go off of but it makes me think it's not a full restoration by the Classic Center, maybe a partial. It has headrests, which this car would not have had from the factory.

Also these cars did not come with wood steering wheels, that is an aftermarket accessory. The dash wood looks a little light in color for authenticity. Overall the car looks nice and pretty, post more photos.

[Pawel66]

Would Classic Center restoration end up with a non-fitting bonnet? I see it looks strange near on the windshield/driver's side.

I am not sure about the door fitting on B-pillar, the resolution of the picture is not that great.

On the headrests: was it not the option to have them (options 571-573) or perhaps it was not valid yet for 113 042? Not sure...

[Buzzsaw]

Oh my gosh guys. I have two binders full confirming classic center restoration back in 95.

It is a Euro car but with the classic restoration what do you think something like that this is worth?
Did you guys see the cars go through Pebble with classic restorations big numbers.

[Buzzsaw]

Please see details

[Buzzsaw]

Wow they did everything. Full restoration rebuilt all components this is incredible.

[Iconic]

Are you bringing it to Pagodafest in Chicago???

[Buzzsaw]

I don't know what that is, send me details

[Iconic]

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=31379.msg270922#msg270922

[mdsalemi]

Hold on a moment...you have a binder or two with fax copies, photos, details, etc. attributing the restoration to the Classic Center, but you want some kind of confirmation beyond this? Not sure I'm understanding this situation. No matter who did the restoration such a comprehensive collection of photos and details is a very good thing to have for your car's provenance.

Yes, professional restorations cost big bucks, and they will fetch big bucks on certain models upon sale. You mention Pebble Beach, but I think it would be a very long time before a Pagoda is ever invited to Pebble Beach in a judged class. However the Monterey Auctions held "around" Pebble Beach have had plenty of Pagodas change hands over the years, some at good prices. The MB Classic Center has frequently/always been at Pebble and some of their restored cars have been highlighted in the past there.

[Buzzsaw]

My mistake.... I just wanted a second opinion. I'm glad the paperwork checks out among the experts. thanks again

[rwmastel]

Would Classic Center restoration end up with a non-fitting bonnet? I see it looks strange near on the windshield/driver's side.

Sure, if the restoration was done years ago and "things" have happened since.

[rwmastel]

Buzzsaw,

I see you're in NE Ohio.  There are many Pagoda owners/members in Ohio.  You can learn a lot from meeting people in person.  What is your goal with this car?  Are you just wanting to sell this car?  Not interesting in long term ownership?

A 28 year old restoration may not hold as much value as a recent one.  Seems like things have been done to this car (head rests, steering wheel, ... as mentioned above, and do I see 280SL halogen lenses?) and of course things wear out over time and damage can occur (hood fitment?) over the years.  If you've never had a Pagoda before, or any MB's of the era, then I suggest you learn a lot about it so you can properly market it for sale.  It doesn't sound like you're looking to be a long time owner of it.

I agree with Jordan, great color combination.

If the car runs great and you feel it is reliable, then register for Pagoda Fest, get a room at the designated hotel, and join us for a few days with that car and your binders.  You will learn a lot and make some new friends.  You might even sell the car on the spot and need a ride home!

[Lorsar]

If the car runs great and you feel it is reliable, then register for Pagoda Fest, get a room at the designated hotel, and join us for a few days with that car and your binders.  You will learn a lot and make some new friends.  You might even sell the car on the spot and need a ride home!

First, he needs to become a Full Member!!

[Buzzsaw]

That sounds nice. I'll look into it Thank you again.