SL Replica on Lebaron Chassis - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

PCM84 · #1 05-13-2003, 08:03 AM

Stumbled across this on ebay... what does anyone know about these? From the photos, the replica seems rather faithful and abominable at the same time!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6332&item=2415176565

Limited Edition · #2 05-13-2003, 08:43 AM

They also make those based on 1979-93 Mustangs.

G-Benz · #3 05-13-2003, 09:50 AM

I'll admit, it looks FAR better than the Mustang-based kits.

And the owner can REALLY call it a Daimler-Chrysler SL...

PCM84 · #4 05-13-2003, 10:29 AM

Come to think of it... it is kind of the precursor to the Chysler
Crossfire (part SLK, part... er... LeBaron).

I'm not picking on Chrysler here, either, I've had a few, was a big proponant of the company in their last comback before takeover... where they released a series of products that made everyone stand on their ear: Viper, Neon, Intrepid, Prowler...

RickM · #5 05-13-2003, 10:52 AM

The Chrysler star is still showing on the steering wheel. Also the side rear of the top looks a bit wrong.....they purposely didn't take a side shot with the top up.

Ironically, it probably costs as much to convert a car as it does to buy a used example of the real thing.

PCM84 · #6 05-13-2003, 11:46 AM

one has to wonder how much this cost... of course SL300's and SL500's didn't start to become approachable in price to most people until they got into the 20's in the last year, year and a half...

#7 05-13-2003, 01:39 PM

Look at that gap between the hood and fender.

A winning bidder better hope that's due to it being ajar and not poor fit and finish.

#8 05-13-2003, 03:07 PM

These conversions remind me of an acquaintance who once tried to palm off his Corvette conversion as a real Ferrari Daytona. I think I would feel like the ultimate poseur driving down the street in a car that was trying to pass itself off as an MB when it obviously is not. I would feel better driving an unmodified LeBaron, which was a good looking car in it's day.

elau · #9 05-13-2003, 03:08 PM

That is nothing compare to what I saw in George Town last week. Wish I had my digi camera.

It was a Hyundai converted C coupe hatch back. The guy put fake grill in the front, glue the MB logo on the hood. He even has the fake star glue right on the steering wheel. To top it off, he has the AMG badge in the back. I don't know where he found it, but he has fake MB wheel covers on all 4 tires. It was horrible!!!

I can never understand why people will drive an imitation and be the laughing stalk.

G-Benz · #10 05-14-2003, 11:34 AM

Check this one out...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=64858

pentoman · #11 05-14-2003, 02:53 PM

more LeBaronness

http://www.kitcarclub.com/classifieds/jimlebaron.htm

PCM84 · #12 05-14-2003, 04:16 PM

Here they are, the originators of the SLebaron!

http://members.aol.com/JOVILTD/jovi.html

I too would consider a real SL I could afford before a SLebaron...
though the Beck Spyder was always so utterly close to the original it didn't bother me the same way...

RickM · #13 05-14-2003, 05:19 PM

OMG....turnkey versions START at $27k....It will obviously be on a used doner car. Where's the sense here?

The Beck spyder is a work of art...not your typical "kit car".

pentoman · #14 05-15-2003, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RickM

The Beck spyder is a work of art...not your typical "kit car".

Speaking of which, look at what lives alongside my 190E..

Actually, I believe this one is not produced by Beck