Any Thoughts on this '64 for sale on eBay???

[n/a]

I am dying to find my car...
Thanks to all for the advice...The amount of $$$you have all saved me by teaching me about these cars is unimaginable!!!
Any thoughts here just at face value???

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4574202205&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBI%3AIT&rd=1

Steve From Atlanta
'65 230SL 4-Speed
Ivory w/ Tan
Jump Seat

[DavidAPease]

Steve,

Aside from the typical "picking apart" of the car (quite a few small things, but not unusual, and which I would be happy to detail if you wish), there are a couple of things that concern me:

1.  A car this early should have a spare tire well on the left of the trunk.  Where is it?  (Indicates at least replaced trunk floor.)

2.  What is the toggle switch where the lighter should be?

-David Pease
'66 French 230SL

[iceberg]

Hi Steve,
I am no authority but I do have a very early 230 SL.  Here are some things I noticed.  
1.  The antena is at the back.  Now I have seen that with 250 SLs but maybe they also introduced that in the 230 SLs at some point, so please research.  Also the antena in the back is automatic and can be seen in the pic with the truvk view.
2. The the rear view and front fog lights seem very ligit.  Very european in that the rear view is all chrome adn the front lights seem like hellas.
3. The undercarridge seems in very good order and the fule pump looks new.
4. Did they have headrests in 1964?
5. There is no spare tire well.  Aptly pointed out by david.
6. The engine bay looks resprayed. and so does the back of the hood.  Those should be white.  And there whould be some back on the fender where the air filter housing is.  Thats for rust protection.  
7. Air vents on the very ends of the dash have hardware missing.  There is a little knob there that pulls the vents open or close.  Minor, but is it not there because the vent its self is bad?
8. The colour of the air filter canister is red, which is wrong since it should be black.  So some rust work has been done.

So Steve, this car has minor stuff and on the surface the car is complete and looks good ut you must know where the rust work was done on the car?, why it was done? and if it was done right or is it just patch work to make it salable.  I think on the surface the car is beautiful but you will be surprised how much you will spend on it when you want it in the shape that you like.  I know since I am going through it.  I think it is unfair for me to put a price on this for you, but having pointed out every thing to you, it is best you decide what you want to spend on it.  Call this guy up and ask a lot of questions.  Ask for repair and maint history, definitely adds value.  U can call me and I we ca talk some more on what to look for as I have the same car and am working on it right now, I can tell you where to look for what. 905.889.8474
Regards,
Hassan

[enochbell]

Steve,

Let extreme caution be your guide on this one.  There are too many "hobbiest" features here:  besides those already mentioned I think the seat covers look like knock-offs (and they are not correct for 67 in any case).  None of the things alone would stop me from looking at the car, but you have to be cautious: when shortcuts like engine bay paint, toggle switches etc were taken then you have to look hard in every other trouble area.  Be patient.

Greg

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon

[jcjblo]

Another feature this car does not possess - power steering. You should drive it and see if you are comfortable without this option.

1965-230SL 4-speed Euro/Canada version, white (050) black leather interior

[n/a]

Steve

I am a little leery about buying anything I cannot personally inspect.  Also, this car is on the other side of the country.  Just getting it from Ca to Ga would be an expensive proposition.  There are cars a lot closer to home that you can buy.  You never know where a 113 car will turn up.  I saw a 70 280 SL this past weekend amongst all the Fords and Chevrolets at the Shades of the Past Rod Run in Pigeon Forge Tenn.  The car was from Birmingham Al.  You just have to be a little diligent in your search.  

Good luck in your search

Iverson

Iverson

[Chad]

This kind of car may turn out to be a good bargain, or very much not. Beware or the known, particularly if you ahve a definite concept in your mind of what quality you want in the car.  Many have been abused.  It certainly would need a personal evaluation or a professional evaluation. Would not consider it otherwise. I think the other comments here are very helpful, especially David's and Hassan's.



-CD-
1967 230SL, 113.042 10
1983 300TDT, 123.193

[Chad]

Also, I think many aspects of the interior are incorrect or very tired.  I would consider the seats to be relatively problematic and suggestive of a disregard for correctness, originality and upkeep that may be found elsewhere in the car (such as rust repair).  That engine bay is also really asking for the entire car to be examined thoroughly and with caution.  

I found a 230 SL that is very much original and unmolested.  The engine bay was tired looking also, the paint had an old patina to it.  I have a lot of work to do myself, but I am glad I went for intactness and originality.  Looking at this one...For some reason shiny paint on an otherwise tired looking car makes me concerned.

-CD-
1967 230SL, 113.042 10
1983 300TDT, 123.193

[Douglas]

David, I'll bet the toggle switch operates either the electric antenna or the fog lamps.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[DavidAPease]

Hi, Doug,

(I hope you and family are doing well.  I'm flying into JFK early Sunday evening, if you want to say Hello.)

You're probably right.  A tacky place for it, none the less (IMHO).

-David Pease
'66 French 230SL

[n/a]

Hello Steve,
Good advice given from the other contributors.  I might add another shortcut is the unpainted hubcaps.
Curiously, the interior is described as black, but it sure looks blue to my eye.  Maybe it's just the lighting in the pic.  The interior looks worn and it looks like a piece of the wood dash is sticking up.  If the driver seat is sagging, it could have broken seat springs.  Repairable, but not cheap.
All the best,
Don
Cleveland, OH

[DaveB]

Hi Steve,
I went to Phil Newey's yard once to check a car for a friend. The car was no good. Personally I wouldn't trust them. When it comes to used cars I wouldn't trust anybody really, especially not the dealers.
I do think it's ok to buy a car on ebay - as long you or someone you trust can inspect the car before paying.

Enjoy the chase!

DaveB

[n/a]

I agree with you Dave.  Trust is very important when buying an older car, and particularly when cover-ups, short cuts and neglect can be expensive to correct.  I would only buy a car from the owner.  By talking with the actual owner, you can get a better sense of how the car has been cared for.  My experience has been that you can tell a lot about a car by getting to know the owner.  
Just my 2 pennies worth.
Regards,
Don
Cleveland, OH

[n/a]

Hey Steve,
You want a great car?  I've got one for you.  Call me at 216-371-9300
Best regards,
Don

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by Don

Hey Steve,
You want a great car?  I've got one for you.  Call me at 216-371-9300
Best regards,
Don

Don's car:
http://index.php?topic=1956

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420