Hate to Brag but I am - My SL Accepted - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Build · #31 07-16-2010, 06:42 PM

Wouldn't the Corvette be a home state favorite for Kentucky?

Are there any other Mercedes in your class?

meltedpanda · #32 07-16-2010, 07:41 PM

yup , you would think so , although the judges are from all over

the company sponsoring the class gets to submit cars for approval and it was one of them. I do not know the makes of the others ( 8 in my class) but full coverage to follow

Strife · #33 07-16-2010, 09:03 PM

I'll be there tomorrow with hopefully some MBCA guys rooting for you...

Gilly · #34 07-17-2010, 11:04 PM

Wouldn't a '72 be a 350SL, even though it's a 4.5? I thought that was a '72-only thing......Manager at the dealer I used to work at had one, sort of an ugly copper colored one. Like a dirty penny color.

meltedpanda · #35 07-18-2010, 11:14 AM

you are correct Gilly , mine technically is a 72 350SL, rebadged as a 450SL in the states

meltedpanda · #36 07-18-2010, 11:16 AM

Well it was quite a day, started with rain showers but ended up beautiful. My first and probably only ever concours event was fabulous. I met a ton of great folks and it was very satisfying to have people ( especially the judges) appreciate the era , build quality and history of the Benz. The event had 128 cars in 16 classes
My class ,Sports Classics through 74, has 7 other entrants, 58 Austin Helaley 100-6 , 61 Corvette, 66 Lamborghini 350GT, 68 Maserati Spider, , 69 MGT –GT , 72 DeTomaso Pantera and a 74 Citroen SM. All of these cars were perfect , the Lambo was trailered in and I am not sure it had any miles on it. The judging was done by three gentlemen , 20 minutes per car .
The most laughable moment of the day came when the head judge asked me to turn the car on ( that went well

) and then put it in reverse to check the reverse lights. Guess what – they didn’t work.

Worked yesterday – unbelievable, had to laugh that all I went through to prep the car ,

the backup lights were the Achilles heal! I am sure it knocked off a few points.
When it was all said and done the 68 Maserati Minstral Spider won the class the Lamborghini second. I later found out the Maserati was a winner also at last years Amelia Island Concours. It was well presented, but I thought the Lambo should have won.
Oh well all were happy and I was honored to be a part of the show. The ol Benz is now “published” in the Concours book and I got a great license plate and a whole lot of good stories

Many of you here helped me get her there, so thanks!
All the pictures here

http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg189/meltedpanda/Keeneland%20Concours/

have mercy · #37 07-18-2010, 06:52 PM

Congratulations is in order,Your car is a sweet ride. Long time ago I was at one of those meeting, this man had car up on jack stands. Layed out carpet the color of his car, then layed out mirrow. Wish you luck.

Build · #38 07-18-2010, 07:46 PM

That's very cool. It doesn't get any better than being one of the best of the best. Congrats!

Graham · #39 07-18-2010, 07:50 PM

Looks like it was a fun event Ron - Pretty stiff competition for the Benz though!

meltedpanda · #40 07-18-2010, 08:30 PM

sure was Graham, kinda felt like the odd man out, although I think I held my own against the Vet and the 58 Austin. I out classed the Pantera. lol My opinion ( obviously ) only

tried to get the doggone backup lights to work today - no luck - haha gotta figure that one out - bulbs are good

Gilly · #41 07-20-2010, 04:57 PM

Probably the switch adjustment or bad switch. If you can get it inside and close the door, with just the ignition switch set to ON, work the lever through the gears and see if you notice them flickering on at some point.

Since the 72 was the only year it was badged a 350SL (or maybe 73 as well?), I am surprised you don't want the 350SL badge on it, I know I would, since it's a bit of an oddity on why they did that. Plus the whole "concours correct" thing. I bet the judges missed that; I wouldn't have!
Gilly

Gilly · #42 07-20-2010, 04:58 PM

from wikipedia:
In 1971 the 4.5 liter "350 SL" (230 hp) became available in the USA (the designation 350SL for the US market was designed to fool the German market who did not have access to the larger engine, and this name was kept until October 1972 when the official tag "450SL" was put on US cars).

meltedpanda · #43 07-20-2010, 07:52 PM

well actually it came over and was rebadged, just as my original manual states. I'd like to have a 350SL badge but technically the 450 badge it is correct for the period. I think it could be argued either way. The Judge liked the euros, but did not mention the badge. I know when I changed out my frog eyes to euros , the original euro wiring was still in place. This would substanciate my early VIN ( 571 st built) and that she was shipped to the states with the euros and most likely the 350 badge and then correctly americanized.

Gilly · #44 07-20-2010, 10:03 PM

I really think someone put 450SL badges on your 350SL as well as Euro headlights, which are a drop-in replacement for the US headlights. I've swapped Euro headlights into US cars and also swapped the US headlights BACK in to US cars and they are a direct replacement.
Most judges, except at an MBCA show, wouldn't be sharp enough to know that it has incorrect badges on it. I'd really get the correct badge on there since it was a 1 year only thing, I'm sure MB still has it available.
The 4.5 motor is correct, but not the 450 badge, not until 1973 model year.

Someone really wrote in the owners manual that they changed the 350SL badge to a 450SL badge? I could sort of understand someone doing that in 73, but sure would be nice to have it back to original if you are going to show it.

Gilly

meltedpanda · #45 07-21-2010, 10:48 AM

oh I agree, I put the euros on, off a 73, and yes the manual has the instructions to come to the dealer to get the "correct " badge (450SL)
All in all not a huge deal for me, I would like to fine a 350 badge and will continue to look. More important right now is sorting out backup lights

No time since show to look.