I had a small issue getting my 1980 300D registered in IL. The title came back as a 1998 Mercedes (something about the Euro VIN not fitting the US standard; one or two particular character(s) is supposed to indicate build year), and naturally the state wanted more $ for tax on the car, so I had to have the car inspected by a police officer. Luckily, my neighbor is is a Sheriff's patrolman, and was happy to eyeball the car and confirm it was NOT a 1998 model. I had to really look to find the VIN -- mine had build info in the trunk. I was told that the build DATE would not be found, and sure enough, I never could find any specific evidence that it was a 1980 model.

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)