Researching 1972 350SL 3.5 euro help

[MoogerFooger]

I recently purchased a 1972 350SL grey market imported in '72 to an individual in New Jersey.

I am in the process of restoring the car and wanted to research what modifications that were needed to import the car.

She has the small euro mirrors and bumpers, no cat or emissions on it. Roll up windows, AC delete with the only options being auto transmission and heated rear window. I wanted to find out what it took in 1972 to import a car like this.

Definitely a cool little car and I'd love to learn her story, so anyone who has done any sort of research like this before, tips would be most appreciated!

[rowdie]

For import.*

Headlights changed to US style sealed beams (4 round). The orange side lights in the US style are wired as side markers/parking while the Euros are wired as turn signal/hazard lights. Both are single filament bulbs.

Front turn signals added.

Tail lights changed to US style. IIRC the amber piece on the euro extends to the tip of the lens while the US model is red at the tip.

The bumpers may have had the vertical bars added to meet US standards. The bumpers on the US and Euro models are the same it is just the added bumperettes.

I can't remember if US standards required the side impact door reinforcement back then.

Door mirrors are the same as the US model.

Neither version had emissions equipment in 1972.

These are just what I can think of. Maybe someone else can contribute more.

* I am unsure how strictly the standards were applied in 1972.

[meltedpanda]

daggon you are good Rowdie
only other thing I can think of is 4 way flashers ?

[MoogerFooger]

Thanks so much!

Yes, she seems to have all the lighting off of your list.

No "bumperettes" (thank god).

She does have an MPH speedo.

What would the side impact entail? Some additional support in the door?

On a side note,
Any idea how I could go about researching the actual importing of the car?

It was modified for import by "intercorp Europe holland" and imported by an individual in Nee Jersey (Jon F Klein).

I would love to track down any import documents from the time it came into the country. Any ideas as to where to start on my search?

Thanks in advance!

[rowdie]

Forgot about the speedo. Don't quote me but I think that only involved changing the face plate.
Can't help with researching the history. Not sure anyone has had much success with that.

[MoogerFooger]

If only the faceplate changed does that imply my odo is counting in km?

I will have to check my odo compared to a measured mile next time I have her out. It would be nice if she only had 93K miles instead of 150K!

[rowdie]

Like I said don't quote me. Open mouth, insert foot. The entire head or gears had to be swapped too.