Author Topic: fitted luggage for 230SL (Read 21050 times)

john collins · « **on:** August 19, 2007, 16:53:25 »

When I bought the car last year, the previous owner said he had the fitted luggage, he just had to get it from where it was stored. It arrived, and I am wondering if some of you experts could help me confirm that these are indeed original equipment? The reason I ask, is that I do not see the M-B name or logo anywhere on the three pieces. I will post some photos as soon as I can, but for now, a description will have to do.

All three pieces are of a brown material, does not appear to be leather. All use the same hinged clasp that comes down and meets a round escutcheon with a round keyed lock. To open the locks, you push the lock area down. The two larger cases have round metal "feet", the makeup bag does not have any.

Small toiletries case - 9" x 16" wide x 6.5" high, with an exterior (top) strap, which runs left to right and acts as the only handle. This case seems hardsided, unlike the other two. Single lock on the front. Inside, there are two oval "protectors" to keep items separated. There is one attached to the front, one to the rear of the case, and they run nearly side-to-side. There is a small makeup mirror that is held in by two lower corner straps, and one turned clasp at the top. When you take it out, it has a fold-out for a stand.

Medium case 16" high x 23" wide x 6.5" deep. Handle in the center, two straps on either side of the handle, each going all the way around the case and passing through "loops" before coming together with a belt-type buckle (tongue with holes arrangement). Two locks farther out than the straps. Inside, there is a small elastic area at the rear of the case, and two straps to hold contents.

Largest case is 18.5" high x 32.5" wide x 7.5" deep. It matches the medium case in all respects except size and the fact that there is a center clasp, very small, that seems to be an extra alignment and latch for the center of the case (by the handle, where stresses will be greatest).

I am reasonably sure that the luggage is correct, I bought the car from the original owners son, and he had all of the documentation, which included the order sheet, data card, etc. and all showed that the car came with the three-piece set. The car has the luggage strap in the trunk, and it is the same color & shade as the luggage. The lack of identiying marks does have me wondering, though. Thanks for any help with this.

John

JimVillers · « **Reply #1 on:** August 19, 2007, 18:54:55 »

John .... Everything you say seems to indicate "fitted luggage". I'll try to send you some documentation tormrrow. I do not have 113 documentation but I have sufficant info on 190SL luggage. I beleve that the late version for the 190SL luggage, which was generic to the entire MB line would be the same luggage that would have been utilized for the 113s. Most of the luggage has not survived becaues it did no appear as unique or significant. Please take lots of pictures and measurements for the location of the straps. You have a very unique car.

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16, MGB 5-Speed

Douglas · « **Reply #2 on:** August 19, 2007, 19:18:41 »

John,

Sounds like the genuine article to me. The original luggage had a really tiny sticker inside them that said "Hepco."

Here's a photo from the 230 SL literature back in the day:

Download Attachment:

brochlug3color.jpg
45.89 KB

Congrats. The vanity case is really difficult to find.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

Chad · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2007, 21:40:24 »

John: Can you take pictures of the cases and post them onto this site for us to see?

1967 230SL

Bob G ✝︎ · « **Reply #4 on:** August 20, 2007, 15:54:27 »

The luggage was not produced by Mercedes-Benz. I remember my father ordered the luggage gallery for his 1968 280SL. that included a luggage rack for the hard top and three brown soft sided suit cases brown. I have only one suite case and am looking for the other two. their is also a strap that fits in the trunk over the suit cases to keep them from shifting.

Bob Geco

john collins · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2007, 19:50:50 »

Thank you Jim, Douglas, and Bob for the confirmation / information. I have not seen any small sticker inside the cases, but the photo Douglas sent shows a definate match. I tried to add a few photos to this posting, but I was not able to get it to accept them. If anyone wants to see them (and post them here), feel free to email me at johninvt@comcast.net.

I bet Jim is right - because they have no distinguishing markings, the luggage must get separated from most of the cars that had it originally. I wonder how many sets of luggage have wasted away in thrift stores for the want of anyone kowing their true provenance.

If anyone was ever going to try to reproduce these, I would be happy to provide them to use as a template.

I did have one sad discovery. My 1965 230Sl with so much originality has short block number 1290110001, (from a 250, right?). The original owner passed away, and I bought the car from his son. The son thought that the car was completely unmolested (it has the original carpets with the rubber floor mats, and the original soft top - dry rotted and hardly used). How much diminution in value is there for a block swap like this? Right now the car is just a decent, cosmetically shabby driver. If I ever pull the trigger on a full restoration, what would you gurus recommend?

I must also personally thank you three, as I have read through the last several years of postings, and you have given me a great education on my car.

John

Chad · « **Reply #6 on:** August 21, 2007, 21:02:12 »

John: I think if the engine is in good repair and you can demonstrate that then it should not matter too much what type. The general condition and correctness of the car will determine it's value. It's nice to have a 230 engine in a 230 car I suppose, so it may make some amount of difference... that's overshadowed by the general state of the rest of the car for sure. Numbers matching everything is not nearly as important on these cars as on some of the other types of older cars, like the 356. These 113 cars are driven more between waxes I guess, and maybe more drivers would like to have a mechanically sound car in favor of a perfectly numbers matching but tired car. That's just my opinion.

I wouldn't let the engine block numbers keep me away from fixing it up - the piggy bank numbers are more important as far as that goes.

1967 230SL

J. Huber · « **Reply #7 on:** August 21, 2007, 23:26:52 »

Hey John. Don't be too sad about your engine discovery. I too have a 230SL with a replacement shortblock marked with number 1290110001. This was what Mercedes sent when we replaced my engine in 1979. The part number was 127 010 1150. The accompanying head and trimmings were all 230SL. I have heard more than once that this was indeed a 230 replacement -- but that the casting was generically marked with 129. Maybe Joe or others know otherwise -- but I wouldn't assume you have a 250 engine. Moreover, having a replacement engine has proved a major blessing for me. It basically means a strong, healthy engine that has allowed me to really enjoy owning and driving my little Pagoda.

James
63 230SL

john collins · « **Reply #8 on:** August 22, 2007, 00:23:23 »

James,
I have sent the photos to Jim, he is going to post them for everyone to see. Thanks for the information on the block. It is an interesting bit of trivia about factory replacement parts. I was starting to think that it would not be such a bad thing (more torque, seven bearings instead of five, etc. but I would rather have a correct car, given the originality of the rest of it.

John

Douglas · « **Reply #9 on:** August 22, 2007, 00:41:31 »

Here's an old thread where I posted some pix of luggage. There's also another photo from period sales literature that David Pease shared:

http://sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=215

For what it's worthh, Mercedes luggage is similar to Porsche luggage from the day.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

JimVillers · « **Reply #10 on:** August 22, 2007, 10:31:48 »

Here are a few pictures that John passed to me:

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16, MGB 5-Speed

Douglas · « **Reply #11 on:** August 22, 2007, 11:35:24 »

Today, they put wheels on luggage. Back then, it was the other way around. :-)

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

peterm · « **Reply #12 on:** August 22, 2007, 13:24:16 »

Those are beautiful pieces and i sure someone with a concours car would pay a pretty dollar for them, yet their data card would not demonstrate the originality yours does! You now need to completely frame off restore this car to match the luggage

john collins · « **Reply #13 on:** August 22, 2007, 15:30:00 »

Peter,

Basically you are telling me that I have just handed myself a bill for $50,000! Restore the car to show off the luggage...I don't think so...!

I am just happy to have everything the car came with originally. I will put the luggage safely away, along with the kinderseat and the A/C. These are things that I will not use on a daily basis, and I can easily install the luggage and seat for shows.

john collins · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2008, 16:21:37 »

I have decided to sell the luggage, and I will be putting it up on Ebay. I have realized that I will never do a complete concours restoration of the car, and I could use the money the sale would generate to complete some of the current work that I know the car needs.

Take care,

John

1965 230SL white/black leather - power steering, Becker Mexico, kinderseat, fitted luggage

ranchomerced · « **Reply #15 on:** February 09, 2008, 18:49:31 »

I will buy your luggage Call me @ 480 488 1804 Mark passarelli

john collins · « **Reply #16 on:** February 10, 2008, 17:27:47 »

Hi Mark - Sorry I did not see your post until after I had already listed the luggage. I really have no idea what the market value should be anyway, so I need to sell it this way just to find the correct price. I tried to insert the link here, but I am not that savvy. It is item number 180214817344 on Ebay. Good luck bidding.

Take care,

John

1965 230SL white/black leather - power steering, Becker Mexico, kinderseat, fitted luggage

mdsalemi · « **Reply #17 on:** February 10, 2008, 17:51:10 »

quote:
Originally posted by john collins

Hi Mark - Sorry I did not see your post until after I had already listed the luggage. I really have no idea what the market value should be anyway, so I need to sell it this way just to find the correct price. I tried to insert the link here, but I am not that savvy. It is item number 180214817344 on Ebay. Good luck bidding.

Take care,

John

1965 230SL white/black leather - power steering, Becker Mexico, kinderseat, fitted luggage

Hi John,

As one who frequently sells stuff I have left over on eBay I can't stand it when the bidding doesn't begin until the last hour.

So, as a favor to you, and knowing that the bidding might get high on this, I just drove up the bid price for you by sending in a bunch of bids. All below someone else, but I could not stand to see the bid at USD $0.99. It's criminal. Good luck!!

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Paddy_Crow · « **Reply #18 on:** February 11, 2008, 08:29:37 »

As one who frequently buys stuff on eBay, I never make a serious bid until the last 10 seconds of an auction. I will make an exploratory bid to learn about a reserve price or similar, but anything else is futile.

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch...

peterm · « **Reply #19 on:** February 11, 2008, 08:44:23 »

the ebay bidding keeps going and you'll be able to buy the concours car that should belong to the luggage.

JPMOSE · « **Reply #20 on:** February 11, 2008, 10:16:16 »

When I bid on Ebay, I use www.phantombidder.com and allow this site to do the bidding for me. It also allows you to think about what your maximum should be in advance. I used to get "trigger happy" and bid high in the last few seconds because I just HAD TO HAVE IT! With phantom bidder, I set up realistic goals for my budget and let cyberspace do the rest!

Good luck with your sale John! It would be fun to have the original luggage but not at these prices. My splurge was purchasing a diamond pattern firewall mat last year and looking back I am still glad I did!

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

mdsalemi · « **Reply #21 on:** February 11, 2008, 11:58:41 »

quote:
Originally posted by JPMOSE

When I bid on Ebay, I use www.phantombidder.com and allow this site to do the bidding for me. It also allows you to think about what your maximum should be in advance. I used to get "trigger happy" and bid high in the last few seconds because I just HAD TO HAVE IT! With phantom bidder, I set up realistic goals for my budget and let cyberspace do the rest!

Good luck with your sale John! It would be fun to have the original luggage but not at these prices. My splurge was purchasing a diamond pattern firewall mat last year and looking back I am still glad I did!

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

JP,

I don't know who or what phantom bidder is, but normal bidding on eBay does automatic bidding for you: put in your maximum bid (the most you are willing to spend, the part you have to think about as you indicate)and eBay automatically ups your bid from where you start until the maximum. You can get text alerts to your cell phone etc. all without involving a 3rd party.

John Collins,

I'd enter more bids to keep your ball rolling but goodness if I bid now and get stuck with it I couldn't afford it! Let's hope for your sake the bids keep rolling in!

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Paddy_Crow · « **Reply #22 on:** February 11, 2008, 14:10:29 »

quote:
Originally posted by mdsalemi
JP,

I don't know who or what phantom bidder is, but normal bidding on eBay does automatic bidding for you: put in your maximum bid (the most you are willing to spend, the part you have to think about as you indicate)and eBay automatically ups your bid from where you start until the maximum. You can get text alerts to your cell phone etc. all without involving a 3rd party.

John Collins,

I'd enter more bids to keep your ball rolling but goodness if I bid now and get stuck with it I couldn't afford it! Let's hope for your sake the bids keep rolling in!

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Phantom Bidder is probably a sniping tool like Auction Stealer. It holds your bid until the last 5-10 seconds of an auction and then places it automatically. I often use Auction Stealer, especially since I've had my computer lock up while trying to snipe manually.

Bidding earlier than the last 10 seconds allows others to know they have to outbid you. It also enables a shill bidder to bid you up to your maximum.

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch...

zoegrlh · « **Reply #23 on:** February 11, 2008, 14:32:15 »

John,
Could you take a couple of photos of the trunk luggage strap (the hold down strap)? I want to have made a reproduction strap but nedt to see what the original strap looks like along with the two "tee" buckles at the ends as well as the tighting buckle. Would it be possible?
Thanks
Bob Hyatt

Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

1970 280SL, Red on Silver,4-speed, Euro spec; 1999 C230 Kompresser Sport, Black on Black; 1990 Miata, Black on Red, 5 Speed

glennard · « **Reply #24 on:** February 11, 2008, 14:40:38 »

Have the straps in a '64 230, but no luggage.

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Author Topic: fitted luggage for 230SL (Read 21050 times)

Douglas

Chad

Bob G ✝︎

Chad

Douglas

Douglas

peterm

ranchomerced

Paddy_Crow

peterm

Paddy_Crow

glennard