My Fintail is here, clean, tuned and running!
 

My new '64 220sb arrived a couple of days ago and I got a chance to wash it, adjust the carbs and give it a 50 mile test drive...it runs and drives great. Everything works including the AC and clock! It's about 99% stock except for the aftermarket AC and it's really rust free. The California license plates are original, the front one is stamped '63 and the back plate has 40+ years of renewal stickers on it from all the years it was renewed!

Now, I have a question. I can't tell from the ID plate when the car was made...is there a way to tell from the VIN the month and year of manufacture? I ask because I was "made" in 1963 too and since this car apparently was as well (despite it being a '64 MY) I was wondering if it and I could have been born at the same time? That would almost make it fate that I landed up with it. The VIN is 11101210134897, if anyone can decipher it.

check this site
 

http://www.***************/mercedes-auto-parts/mercedes-vehicle-identification-numbers.html

It has some info, hope it helps.

Jim

Not sure, but I think you can special order a duplicate of the original pink slip from the dealer that lists date of manufacture, color codes, original accessories, etc. Bring proof of ownership and whatever paperwork you've got. It might take several weeks. Otherwise month of manufacture is on the driver's door post plate along with vehicle weight in later models.

How many finnies is that for you, Doc? Seems like you been messing with em for awhile. And does the '63/64 have the heater flap on the firewall?

This is the first fintail I have ever owned and the oldest MB also. It's literally as old as I am.

It does not have a heater flap, I don't think...unless I don't know what that is. It has the standard heater controls (four slides).

I contacted MB Classic a year or two ago and was emailed an image of my vehicles production card with all options, dates, etc. Not sure if they're still doing that but here's the link:

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/heritage/expert.jsp&menu=6

Thanks! I just submitted a request for any information about the car.

So what are ya gonna do with your 4.5 now that you have a beautiful finny? :P

Nice Car
 

Hi Doc. That is a great looking fintail. Reminds me of another one Ive seen somewhere. Your car was manufactured in late 1963 because thats when they started using disc brakes on the front instedad of four drums as per my understanding. I see in the pictures that you have a regular booster mounted on firewall as opposed to the remote booster and single circuit master cyl like mine. If disel dog means the thing I allways thought was a vent flap, you dont have one. I sure wish my fin looked that great. Congratulations, Pat.

I am keeping them all for now...how many is too many?

Doc, your cars represent the 60's , 70's 80's 90's and 2000's. I suggest that now you need a Ponton or an adenauher and a 170. Pat.

There's a thing as too many? If you're really a doctor, then there's no such thing as too many Benzes. It should be a reason for me to actually go to med school :D

My entire collection of "vintage" MB's costs less than one new Honda. I'm not a physician, just a glutton for punishment so I tinker with my old cars to satisfy my need for punishment.

PS - My Doctor drives a Toyota Camry...it's not a field to go into to get rich any more.

My goal was to get one nice example from each decade of production, yes, the 50's would be next. I'm just out of places to store them all and out of time to drive them!

Yeah, I know it's not. And doctors are overworked and underappreciated. It's why I'm debating on what I want to do. If I do become a (Neuro)surgeon, like I've wanted, a very hectic life awaits. Forget a family, nevermind time to work on cars.

But I could probably retire from that at like 50... lol. I'm just enjoying (trying to, at least) my time off of school. My goal is to get a 108 (mine restored, probably), 109, and 111 sedan and cabriolet. The last one I want to customize - currently a m119 looks good for it, but in a few years, maybe something newer. Ah, the dreams I have that will never be fufilled... :D

By 9:00 am Monday Morning a copy of the original build card was emailed to me after I requested it over the weekend...that was FAST!

Looks like my car was born on 7/31/1964!

i did the math and my 240d was built the same month i was conceived.

its not fate-- its sickness:D