Re: Opinion needed on Pagoda purchase

[220CABA]

Hello everyone!

I have just come across a mint condition 280SL, which is for sale for $25K. I'm interested in purchasing the car but have just found out that the engine is rebuilt and not original. The engine belongs to another 280SL. Hence, the car does not have matching numbers. From a resale perspective, is it wise to purchase a Pagoda that does not have an orignal engine. I don't want to be stuck with the car, if  i ever decided to sell it. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
FJ

[Paddy_Crow]

If you intend to drive the car, matching serial numbers should not matter. Or should I say, it wouldn't matter to me. If you intend to show the car, it may be a different story. Predicting resale value for any car is difficult, at best.

You might use it as a negotiating point, depending on how motivated the seller is...

[Douglas]

FJ,

I'd love to hear more details about your find. A 280SL in "mint condition" generally fetches significantly more than $25K, so I'm more than a little curious.

Here's a good primer to confirm some of the finer points of what constitutes mint condition in a W113:

http://silverstarrestorations.com/113SL.htm

[220CABA]

Thank you, Douglas and Paddy Crow. This is going to be my first association with a 280SL and have ordered a buyer guide handbook. Douglas, after reading the article, i am now convinced that it really should not matter as long as the replacement engine is a 280SL engine. I shall keep you posted upon physical inspection of the car.

Regards,
FJ
MB 54'220 CABRIOLET A

[peterm]

keep in mind that a 280 with ac and even a few without had major cooling issues (don't ask how i know) and quite a few donated their engines.  It would not be considered that unusual to have a block that doesnt match the data card.   The word 'mint" would really scare me at 25k

[john.mancini]

FJ,
Find someone who knows these cars well, someone who can inspect the car, before buying. Mint 280SL's are fetching three times that price, even more. Possibly the seller is unaware of the current prices for top-notch cars. But have it checked out by someone with 113 knowledge.
John

[220CABA]

Gentlemen, here is what i found out. The engine does not have a 130.983 prefix which indicates that the replacement engine does not belong to a 280SL. the numbers on the block read 130.016 0001 and then (what seems like an after market engraving)3-9.SE.If it had a 280SE engine than it should have a prefix of 130.980 which it does not.

Any ideas on what is going on!!!!

FJ
(Faisal)