Registration of my 230SL in Italy

[TopPagoda]

I really need help and guidance with this: I am trying to register my 230SL in Italy. The car was previously registered in Denmark but prior to that was located in California. To register the car in Italy it must first be tested by an official ( government ) test station. I tried but was told I must change the rear lamps to European spec, that to my mind is fair enough. Now the Department of Transport in Rome have said I must add side marker/indicator lamps on each side of the vehicle. The car never had these lamps so I would be adding something that in my mind would ruin the authenticity of the car. I hope somebody can please help me with this problem....thanks in advance

[BobH]

Hello and welcome to the group

We have several Italian members who i'm sure will comment when they read this

There is a description of the Italian side markers in the technical manual, you'll need to register as a full member to access the manual, which is well worth the small cost for an owner.  Use the Techncial Manual button above left

See
https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/Sidemarker

The Italian side markers look really neat, not at all obtrusive and easy enough to fit, it appears they're only needed on the front wings, but others may know more.  if you use the search button, again top left, search for Italian, and it will throw up lots of posts and pictures of Italian spec cars

Under "tail lights" in the manual  there's also details of the Italian rear lights

Changing equipment to meet local rules and regs is quite common, nothing really to worry about

Let us know how you get on

[Cees Klumper]

The Italian market side indicators were very elegant and unobtrusive, compared to the US market ones. They are the same as on period FIAT 500's, small and round. Here's what I am referring to:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/322017631541

$16 gets you a pair and you have to have them put in, and this will actually make your car look more authentic, like an Italian market Pagoda.

[AdelaidePagoda]

My 230SL was Italian delivered (Salerno) in Jan 1964. Still has the original indicator lights and I think they look great vs the large rectangular ones.

Many Italian model cars have these as standard government regulations. To my knowledge Italian delivered Pagodas were the only Pagodas delivered with the small round side indicator.

[JamesL]

Arguing with officials is sometimes pointless. But it does seem a bit harsh to make you fit the side markers on a car that's 50 years old - a bit like saying a California car must have all it's original 1970/71 smog gear in it to be registered after 'import" from Oregon. That said, the Govt clearly see the side markers as a safety issue (assume modern cars have something like  them) which makes me think that this is a battle you won't win.

Could you use "stick on" ones just to pass the regstration?

[mdsalemi]

I'd go to a different office...with a different inspector.
Maybe a 50 or 100 Euro note in hand.

[TopPagoda]

Thank you so much for the welcome and for the information. I will immediately take up the Full Membership option in order to move forward. Thanks Again

[AdelaidePagoda]

Actually the stick on ones may just work! 😂

Agreed, seems like a lot of work on an old car. Government agencies are sometimes overzealous.