Real '85 SL AMG? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Kieran1 · #1 02-07-2009, 06:41 PM

On e_ay right now.... is this a 'real' SL AMG?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1985-Mercedes-Benz-500SL-AMG-Convertible-No-Reserve-SL_W0QQitemZ140298144823QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=it em140298144823&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A317%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1308

There are some aspects of it that seem non-Euro import...

SwampYankee · #2 02-07-2009, 07:41 PM

POS would know. Wouldn't mind it myself either way, but I don't know jack.

davidmash · #3 02-07-2009, 08:04 PM

Here is the build sheet from the Russian MB site. It was a Frankfurt delivery.

Brief version

VIN WDB1070461A026480
Model 500 SL
Chassis 1070461A026480
Engine 117962 12 005515
Transmission 722313 02 609698
Order 0 3 217 07464
Approx. year not defined
Lights BOSCH
Cab 00344
Dealer Frankfurt branch (217)
Interior leather black / anthracite (271)
Paint
199 metallic blue-black (с 01.01.1983)
199 metallic blue-black (с 01.01.1983)
Options
240 outside temperature indicator (с 01.03.1982)
second spare wheel (с 01.01.1964 по 28.02.1973)
440 bumpers with guards, front and rear (с 01.10.1970 по 30.04.1974)
bumper with horn and rubber buffer front and rear (с 01.03.1964 по 30.09.1970)
tempomat (cruise control) (с 01.09.1975)
470 anti-lock braking system (abs) (с 01.06.1978 по 31.10.1993)
special export version 3 (с 01.12.1966 по 28.02.1968)
fan clutch (с 01.04.1970 по 30.11.1976)
504 outside rear view mirror, right, electrically adjustable (с 01.11.1978 по 29.02.1986)
outside rear view mirror, right, electrically adjustable (l.h.d.)
taxi version, f.r.g, and outside rear view mirror on the right
500 + 503 (с 01.02.1966 по 30.06.1968)
501 + 502 (с 01.08.1968 по 31.10.1974)
532 automatic antenna without radio set (с 01.01.1963)
565 rear seats used on sl models (с 01.01.1963)
570 folding armrest front w202/210 stowage box front with armrest (с 01.04.1970)
front folding armrest w202 - housing at front with armrest
581 Thermoking air conditioner (с 01.04.1970 по 31.12.1972)
automatic climate control (с 01.01.1977)
590 heat-insulating glass, all-around, heated rear window pane (laminated glass), Germany
heat-insulating glass, windshield (с 01.01.1967 по 31.01.1971)
green heat-insulating glass all round, heated rear window, laminated safety glass - Germany (с 01.01.1972)
600 headlamp wiper/washer (с 01.08.1971)
trim strips on hardtop (с 01.04.1963 по 31.07.1971)
740 folding top fabric9001 black (с 01.08.1972)
873 seat heater for left and right front seats (с 01.02.1984)

Jim B. · #4 02-07-2009, 08:55 PM

From my own knowledge and after consulting the Westmont Illinois AMG factory catalogue (1987 ed.) I conclude the following:

The following features are consistent with a 1985 Euro SL that was converted in a US spec facility to an AMG vehicle:

~~AMG body kit with period correct script AMG script on front spoiler and fog lights integrated into front spoiler

~~Period correct AMG paint scheme (everything one monotone color)

~~Period correct AMG steering wheel

~~Period correct AMG 16" Penta wheels.

~~500 engine available only in euro version 1985 SL models

~~Euro lights and bumpers but with US style tail lights suggest federalized Euro vehicle

~~Period correct AMG trunk script

~~Period correct AMG burlwood shift knob and AMG designed center armrest

~~The lowered stance is consistent with what an AMG SL would look like with AMG supplied shocks and springs.

While no single thing is conclusive, and the valve covers haven't been taken off or the rear end checked for evidence of AMG providence, it is true that back in the 1980's
AMG parts were ordered off an AMG price list individually, by each customer, to his taste, and this car has enough cosmetic AMG parts readily identifiable in the photos that I think it is a genuine AMG euro.

Likely a genuine AMG done at a USA AMG facility, or an excellent clone. Only AMG paperwork, which seldom survives through multiple owners, or an AMG build plate on radiator support or door pillar, would establish beyond a doubt it was an AMG tuned car.

Generally speaking, cars converted at the Affalterbach AMG facility in Germany, had the metal AMG build plates affixed (radiator support and / or "B" pillar) but vehicles tuned by USA AMG affiliates usually didn't.

In 1985 to the early 90's AMG was a private tuning firm unassociated with Mercedes Benz, and no records exist in a database to prove the authenticity of AMG cars from this era.

POS, who owns a genuine 1983 R107 AMG 500 SL is probably the last word, but I think this is most likely a real AMG vehicle.

Hatterasguy · #5 02-07-2009, 09:39 PM

Its got to many miles on it though.

Jim B. · #6 02-07-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Its got to many miles on it though.

Just like most women do!!!!

Jim B. · #7 02-08-2009, 02:23 AM

Here's one (a new black '84)at the AMG facility at Affalterbach:

POS · #8 02-08-2009, 07:21 AM

Jim about hit the nail on the head - I think it's real too, but I don't think it has any engine mods. If AMG did the engine, then they'd certainly do the exhaust but it has a stock exhaust on it.

I have never heard of the metal AMG build plates; we all know that mine is a real AMG (original documentation) built in Germany, and mine doesn't have any AMG plates or stickers on it at all. The AMG stickers that were used underhood by Westmont were used sporadically - if they had stickers around on build day, then they put them on, but never with any consistency.

That one linked on ebay is a nice car; odd that mine came from Naples as well. Seems to be more than a few guys down there who have some cool '80's AMGs.

MTUpower · #9 02-08-2009, 09:35 PM

How about this one? Appears to be a honest ad in that it says it's a body kit. Alot less than than the wining bid on the ebay car.

nh500sl · #10 02-08-2009, 10:27 PM

What is the link to the russian site?

MTUpower · #11 02-09-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nh500sl

What is the link to the russian site?

Here

panZZer · #12 04-08-2009, 06:08 PM

Lord Vader, Your benz is ready!

sd300td · #13 04-08-2009, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS

Jim about hit the nail on the head - I think it's real too, but I don't think it has any engine mods. If AMG did the engine, then they'd certainly do the exhaust but it has a stock exhaust on it.

I have never heard of the metal AMG build plates; we all know that mine is a real AMG (original documentation) built in Germany, and mine doesn't have any AMG plates or stickers on it at all. The AMG stickers that were used underhood by Westmont were used sporadically - if they had stickers around on build day, then they put them on, but never with any consistency.

That one linked on ebay is a nice car; odd that mine came from Naples as well. Seems to be more than a few guys down there who have some cool '80's AMGs.

To be fair, the seller only states that it has an AMG body kit, wheels, trim, etc. He never mentions drivetrain, tuning, etc.