Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: richow on September 21, 2006, 06:32:18

Title: Tracing ownership by VIN number
Post by: richow on September 21, 2006, 06:32:18

Can anyone advise me how to trace previous ownership of my '70 280sl by VIN number? Thanks.

Title: Re: Tracing ownership by VIN number
Post by: Douglas on September 21, 2006, 07:59:36

Actually, it's not that easy. The rules on these kinds of inquiries vary from state to state, so it depends on how far the state in-question keeps (or reveals) those records. There are privacy issues as well.

I've had more success contacting previous owners by phone or by written correspondance, then going back one owner at a time.The Internet is a great tool for finding people. My experience has been that people are generally happy to hear about their old SL and to share their memories of the vehicle.

Let us know how you make out, Richard.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

Title: Re: Tracing ownership by VIN number
Post by: rwmastel on September 21, 2006, 14:07:41

Doug is right.  If you don't have any records from previous owner (purchased from a car dealer with no maintenance/repair paper trail) then it will be difficult.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420