Buyers Beware: 280SE cabrio conversion

[JPMOSE]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250697504233&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

I have sent messages to the seller pointing out that they should disclose that this car is a conversion (based on 111024 (coupe) versus 111025 (cabriolet)). I have not received any response.

I have nothing against conversions as some are done to perfection and will stand up against a true cabrio...BUT....the buyer has a right to know!

[Jetmugg]

I asked the seller if it is an original cabrio or a conversion. I'll be interested to hear his response. If it's a "clone", it should be reported to Ebay.

SteveM.

[Jetmugg]

What are the distinguishing factors which can prove that it's not an original cabriolet?

SteveM.

[curtis61387]

Good eye JP, I hope its just ignorance on the buyers part and he isn't intentionally trying to misrepresent what he has. Were not talking small peanuts here either, I've seen the cabrios go for upwards of $100,000. Where as a mint coupe might go for around $20,000. Where a conversion falls into that I don't know...but current bid is $32,000(reserve not met)!

Keep us updated

[wbain5280]

Plus there are additional reinforcements added to the floor that are NLA. There may be aftermarket reproductions though.

There are also no pics of the car with the top down showing the top of the windshield.

[Tomguy]

Originally Posted by Jetmugg

What are the distinguishing factors which can prove that it's not an original cabriolet?

SteveM.

The chassis model number is 111.024 and not 111.025. All 111 280SE (non-3.5) are chassis number 111.025 from Benz. Anything else was converted.

[JPMOSE]

The listing is shut down....maybe someone reported it to Ebay (or the seller sold it outside of the listing).

[Jetmugg]

Looks like the listing is still active, but these kind of deals need to be brought to the harsh light of day.

There are quasi-shady sellers of all kinds of collectible cars, this guy seems to be one of them.

SteveM.

[Tony H]

Hopefully anyone in the market for a cab would be a advanced buyer that would know to look at the VIN-at the very least.

[Benzcrusher]

Dear joez7550,

Was the body reinforced when it was converted to a convertiable?

reply:

I spoke to a rep from mb,and he said this was a true con from
the factory.


- joez7550

[JMela]

Originally Posted by Benzcrusher

a true con from the factory

I think we've all described our cars as such at one time or another.

[mercmad6.3]

Originally Posted by Jetmugg

What are the distinguishing factors which can prove that it's not an original cabriolet?

SteveM.

A few things besides the chassis number. The trunk has a large box in it to carry the folding top and under neath the tunnel is boxed to add strength and under the trans a large plate is bolted to the floor.
Things that cannot be seen are the thicker rocker panels and strengtheinng sections in the rocker boxes. The cabriolets are also a lot heavier than the coupes.
here is another chop top on ebay .
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1966-MERCEDES-250-SE-W111-/220662066827?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item33607bee8b#ht_1138wt_930

[Pooka]

To those who do not already know... (And I think everyone here would know this, but maybe someday someone shopping for a cab will read this thread.)

Without the additional bracing the doors would someday not shut due to bending in the middle of the car.

This, of course, can be repaired but it would be cheaper to buy a factory cab to begin with.

[mercmad6.3]

I'd love to find a cheap factory cab...

[JPMOSE]

Adding the additional bracing isn't that difficult or expensive....it's the rest of the costs to do it correctly! Different trunk lid, truck hinges, quarter panels, back seat, A piller, top housing in trunk, different chrome moldings and more. A lot of these parts are NLA and cost a fortune when found NOS or mint.

At an earlier time (15-20+ years ago), parts were more reasonable in costs...plus all were still available. There were also premium shops (mainly in Southern Calif.) that performed this conversion....today there really aren't many sources, if at all. Conversions were mainly performed on 280SE 3.5 Coupes because the cost could be recaptured. I knew a wealthy collector in Beverly Hills that had a 3.5 conversion and a true 250SE cabrio. His conversion was done properly and he swore that he couldn't tell a difference in ride quality...even at 80 mph!

Mine is a true 3.5 cabrio that I was practically given by an old family friend (lucky me!!!). While I love it...I notice some cowl shake on rough roads, especially around 20-25 mph, while my 250SL and 560SL doesn't. I can't imagine what a conversion would be like if it wasn't braced properly!