Classic Car Certificate 280SL

[Bob G ✝︎]

 I received my classic car certificate #A01281 for my 1968 280SL. One of the option codes 462 mentions spark plugs for tourist vehicles? Does anyone know what this means? I also learned my body number is mention this might be the vin tag on the inner left fender well.

 I am now part of the Daimler-Chrysler corporate archeives.

Bob Geco

[n/a]

Bob

The Options Matrix for 230/250/280SL's in an article by Michael Egan lists code 46/2 as fog lights. No mention of spark plugs??

Fred Finney
'70 280SL

[Richard Madison]

Can confirm that Gunter Engelen's book (which I affectionately call "the Bible") shows Option 462 as "Nebelschlussleuchte". My three years of beer drinking in Germany tells me this means "Rear Fog Lights". I think 'schluss' refers to Rear.  (This option was 45 DMarks at the time, about $10 at the old 4:1 exchange rate.)
Richard M (Not fluent in German, just fluid in beer.   )

[Bob G ✝︎]

I wonder if the beer stell is next to the classic car certificate department.
I will make a copy and post it.

Bob Geco

[donn303]

I received a letter with my certificate which interpreted the codes, so no additional research was required.

Don Newman
dnewmanandassoc@aol.com

[nickeleyes]

How do I received a classic car certificate for my 1970 280SL. I would like to be part of the Daimler-Chrysler corporate archeives also.

Perry Nikolai
1970 280SL

[n/a]

Perry,

Contact Mercedes-Benz:
http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/contactus/index.jsp

You have to apply for that certificate (I think it is around 120$). Mercedes will search in their archives and send it to you.



Fabrice
Silver 1971 280 SL
New York City

[hauser]

I know this is an old topic here and perhaps some of the newbies aren't familiar with this service Mercedes offers. I would like to hear from those who spent the money what exactly they got for it. Was it something similar to the data card or something more elaborate. Any and all points of view are appreciated as I am contemplating this for my car.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Cees Klumper]

Here's how Mercedes launched the certificate in "Mercedes-Benz Classic", the quarterly magazine put out by Das Haus, in issue 1-2002:

"Seal of authenticity. Official certificates have been created for Mercedes and Mercedes-Benz classic vehicles - they document the original condition of practically every passenger car delivered since 1890". It goes on to describe what information is provided - to me it seems no more than the data card which is still supplied without charge if you request it from the archives in North America or Germany. Except that the certificate looks very nice and official. In that same article, there is a photo of the first certificate being issued: "The certificate bearing the number A 00001 wend to Prof. Jurgen Hubbert, member of the Daimler-Chrysler Board of Management responsible for Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach passenger cars. He is the proud owner of a 280 SL "Pagoda" from 1970."

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[hauser]

Okay so basically it is sort of a "glorified data card"  :?:  When I requested a copy of my data card all I had to do was supply the vehicle identification number. When I inquired with Mercedes-Benz about the "classic car certificate" they said I had to supply a copy of the title to the car. Why do they need a copy of the title? And why does it cost $120.00 U.S.D.



1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by hauser

Okay so basically it is sort of a "glorified data card"  :?:  When I requested a copy of my data card all I had to do was supply the vehicle identification number. When I inquired with Mercedes-Benz about the "classic car certificate" they said I had to supply a copy of the title to the car. Why do they need a copy of the title? And why does it cost $120.00 U.S.D.



1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

Hauser,

I did the same as you, and not only did I get the data card copy but a personal, formal letter that told me about the car as well, such as date of manufacture, etc.  My guess is that as the Classic Center has increased in prominence, and probably became a separate "business unit" within DCX, they need to seek additional revenue sources.  So, while the content of the information is identical to what they used to provide for free, they now make a big deal about it and print it on special engraved paper (something like an old stock certificate).  As for supplying the title to the car, they probably have some privacy issues to deal with and want to make sure for example that they are not supplying someone with the information who doesn't own the car.  Now since this "Zertifikate" makes a good gift, I wonder how they deal with that, since most "gift givers" won't have as easy access as the owners to the title.  Some cars, too, aren't titled.


Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[Klaus]

Actually, until March 31, 1966 code 462 was used for European Delivery ("tourist") vehicles picked up by US owners in Sindelfingen, who drove the first weeks before shipping the car on European fuel with specifications that differed from the US, and possibly at higher speed i.e. temperature. The gas engines received different spark plugs, which were exchanged when the vehicle came to the US, at MBNA's Vehicle Preparation Center.

Klaus
1969 280 SL

[n/a]

Option code 462 also designates "rear fog light".

tom in CA
2003 C320 Coupe

[mdsalemi]

Rear fog lights are a requirement in Belgium, no?

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[TheEngineer]

It costs $120 because the Euro is high. It cost money because if you'd get it for free, you wouldn't value it as highly. A copy of the "Datenblatt" was free. But please realize, MB must make money, they have obligations. Did I mention before that I'm cheap?

1969 280SL,Signal Red, A/T, P/S, A/C, Both tops.    Ret. engr. 1967 230SL - Sold

[Bob G ✝︎]

Does any one know the part number off one of these fog lights and the supplier?

Bob Geco