I bought a 1980 300sd a couple months ago and when I was looking at it to buy it one of the things that stood out was a wood steering wheel. I thought it was an aftermarket steering wheel until I saw a Craigslist ad in Seattle for a 450sel that showcased a wooden steering wheel just like the one in my car. I contacted the guy who told me they were a factory option and made in Italy by a guy named Nardi. He went on to say that in good shape they are worth a lot of money and challenged me to look them up on eBay. Sure enough the new ones are being sold for thousands of dollars and nice used ones for close to that.
Does anyone know what the extra price of one of these Nardi steering wheels was when sold as a factory option?

Brand new wood Nardis are between $350-500.

Post a pic of your wheel. I'd be really interested to see what horn button is on there if it's really a factory option wheel.

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Ok but how much was the Nardi option to add to the car when the car was sold brand new

I'm trying to figure out how to post pictures, new to the forum thing.

I'm not sure, but here's the Mercedes options code list. That may help you find out.

Attached Files

Mercedes Code Descriptions.pdf (341.1 KB, 99 views)

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Easiest way to post pics: Click "Go Advanced" button to the right under the text box. Then scroll down and "Manage Attachments" and you can upload a photo to the forum.

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Until I can figure out how to post I'll just tell you it says Nardi on top and Torino on the bottom with larger ND in between

Ok I'll try that

..

Attached Thumbnails

 

Okay, that's a standard Nardi button. I'm leaning toward dealer installed option if it wasn't done by a previous owner. Do not see a Nardi wheel on the option code list either.

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x2. Dealer accessory like 'factory' chrome wheels.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

on the back of the steering wheel on the metal is what I'm assuming is the manufacturing date which is printed as 9/79
My car is a 1980

Wheel looks to be in excellent shape for the age.

Here's a BendsWurld thread I had bookmarked with lots of info and pics re. Nardi. Scanning through it right now I found this post stating that there were no factory installed Nardis - specifically in C/R107s and I'm sure that is true for other models as well.

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I've got one in my 39 Coupe express. I bought it used here. I bought the adapter off the internet I believe. Lovely wheels.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I don't think exposed metal spokes would pass crash tests of the time. Contemporary Momo wheels were available with a pad that fit over the spokes. You gave up the classic look, though.

Did Nardi offer matching shift knobs?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon