1966 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

NO RESERVE - Convertible

6 - Cyl.

Automatic

11304210015576

Gasoline

Ever come across a car that seems to be saying 'SAVE ME'? Up for bids is running, driving, '66 Mercedes SL.  This is a car that you could actually use as a daily driver or take to the next level and do a full restoration.  Most project SL's I see are non-running, incomplete cars, this one is way ahead of the game in the fact that you can actually drive it as you restore it.  Click to enlarge any of the photos below, this car is being sold with NO RESERVE. The data plate shows code 304, Horizon Blue, which is similar to the color the car is now, except for being non-metallic.  The repaint on this car definitely shows its age, it has spidering, fading, lots of chips, etc.  The body is fairly straight with one exception, that big dent you see on the driver's side.  Fortunately, a replacement quarter panel direct from Mercedes is included with the car.  The impact did not affect the door at all, in fact it still closes precisely, that's German engineering for you.   Other than the big dent, the body is very straight.  The add-on trim strips are held on with adhesive, they car be easily removed with a heat gun. Both bumpers are original and actually pretty nice.  The grill shows a few dings here and there but is complete. Both tail lights are in good shape with no cracks.  The only spot with rust issues is down here on the passenger side quarter, I haven't found bubbling anywhere else.  All 4 hubcaps and trim rings are in good shape. The hood gaps look pretty good.  The trunk is a little on the gritty side, it shows surface rust but no areas that have gone through. The hardtop is complete, glass is good, headliner is fair, weatherstripping is fair, the vinyl covering the rear shelf needs to be replaced.  All 4 mounting handles are in good shape.  These hardtops usually rust out underneath at the rear wings, this one looks good in these areas. The soft top is a cheap vinyl replacement that has shrunken to the point it won't even latch down.  Obviously the value here is in the frame, which is complete and in good condition.  The soft top well is rust free. The interior is about the same as the rest of the car, just OK.  Originally blue, somebody spent a lot of time switching it over to black, including painting the dash face.  It now shows lots of wear but can be brought back.  The good news is that all of the 230SL specific pieces are intact, the early door hardware, the chromed mirror, the chromed horn ring, and all of the small profile dash knobs.   The dash wood is, again, complete but needing restoration.  The windshield has one chip.  The tach works, the speedometer doesn't.  The fuel gauge and oil pressure gauge both work, the temp gauge has been re-routed to an aftermarket gee-gaw where the clock should be.  The original clock is included.  2 of the heater levers move freely, the other 2 are stiff.  The original early style levers are in good shape and I didn't want to force them too hard.  The heater fan is not working, and the ignition switch's start function has been re-routed to a push button under the dash. This beast actually runs and drives pretty well.  Starts without fuss, doesn't smoke, shows good oil pressure, and the auto tranny shifts very well.  The motor isn't as dialed as some I've driven, but seems to run along ok.  The suspension feels weak, and a glance underneath shows lots of worn bushings.  The steering box has been rebuilt recently, and the car has a new alternator and starter.  I've driven lots of these cars and this one, for all of it's weaknesses, does instill a feeling of reliablity, you don't feel that it's going to let you down. The undercarriage looks to be pretty solid and original, the exhaust needs the correct rubber hangers, you'll notice that the 230 specific fuel pump cover is in place, not an easy part to find. Overall this car could be used as an around town beater, or as a good candidate for a full restoration, the choice is yours! About the Reserve Price:   This car is being sold with NO RESERVE.  The high bidder will own this car, it's as simple as that.  This auction ends Wednesday, 4-13-11 at at 12 Noon Pacific Time , 2 PM Central , 3 PM Eastern, 7 PM GMT. About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion.  I would like a $500 deposit (paypal, money order or bank check) within 2 days.  Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup. About this auction: This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid.   Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid.   Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car.  Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied.  Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, Oregon under applicable state laws.  By bidding you agree to these terms. Post Auction details: The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, although I can certainly help with logistics.  I have a wholesale account with a transport booking service and can help you find a reasonable shipping rate.   Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo Horizon Auto Services California Shipping Thanks for looking!