Author Topic: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)  (Read 21285 times)

kiheimatt

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1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« on: February 07, 2017, 04:33:05 »
So... As it turns out, they have girls selling drinks at Barrett Jackson auctions... and well... this happened:

"Congratulations! You won a 1965 Mercedes 230SL!" (I paid $41k)

Delete: I hope to either have some fun with it or sell it.
Add: I decided to keep it.

I was wondering if anyone has any idea who did the build or any prior owners...I think it was done in Texas??  If the latter I would want $60,000. That's more than it's probably worth.

Thank you!
« Last Edit: February 19, 2017, 01:38:35 by kiheimatt »

Scottcorvette

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #1 on: February 07, 2017, 06:31:26 »
yikes!

I'll bet thats got a bit of jump to it!

kiheimatt

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #2 on: February 07, 2017, 06:37:59 »
We will see... Im shipping it to my home soon...

smackYYZ

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #3 on: February 07, 2017, 14:41:44 »
I saw that in the Barrett Jackson archiveshttp://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1965-MERCEDES-BENZ-230SL-CUSTOM-ROADSTER-201739. I was amazed someone could squeeze that 5.7L under the hood.

I have both a 230SL and a 6.2L C7 Corvette. Love both cars but totally different ride experiences, would be interesting to have both wrapped up in a single ride.

I bet you'll have a blast and will surprise quite a few people at the lights!

Good thing they put discs all the way around! Do you know what was done on the suspension?

Enjoy
Mike aka SmackYYZ

1966 230SL Auto
2008 BMW 323i M6 my DD
2014 Corvette Z51 Coupe M7
2015 MB C300

Bonnyboy

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2017, 19:20:36 »
Saw your car on Bring a trailer today.   No longer for sale it says.   

A friend called me up after seeing that and says he wants to do one of those.  Then I told him what a donor car would cost and he figures $60,000 is an absolute deal.  Apparently he has a crate motor with nowhere to go sitting in his shop. 

Just think how the wheels off a 6.3 sedan with some low profile tires would look on that......

Have fun with your toy. 
Ian
69 280SL
65 F-100
73 CB750K
75 MGB
78 FLH
82 CB750SC
94 FLHTCU
08 NPS50

waltklatt

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2017, 20:04:14 »
I too saw that on Bring a Trailer and think it should be named a "Corgoda" or "Pagette".
Wonder how they hooked up the instruments and controls on the dash.

Walter

kiheimatt

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2017, 23:15:16 »
Hello! Yup, someone posted it to Bringatrailer.com and a long conversation ensued.

The current theory of why it has the weird wheels is that the lug pattern on the jag rear end did not match the mercedes hubs on the front... so maybe the builder had to make some custom wheels to fit both. My plan is to figure out a way to resolve that and get something as close to stock as possible, even if I had to do some fab work. (which is frankly over my head... so fab probably means gorilla glue :) Open to any good ideas for wheels.

No idea what was done on suspension. As soon as it is delivered I will jack it  up, go through it and share pics...

I really wish I could figure out who did the build on it. The first time I can find it sold was at a Mecum auction a couple years ago in Austin.

Matt

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #7 on: February 09, 2017, 03:24:16 »
Let us know if it runs like it looks like it should.  For the wheels, if you use steel rims, you could probably use the full wheel covers that came on the later models.  The red centers would enhance the camouflage. 
Ray
'68 280SL 5-spd "California" Coupe

kiheimatt

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #8 on: February 09, 2017, 22:41:34 »
It's currently on a lift getting a (hopefully) thorough inspection and some pics...

I will post if anyone interested in seeing.

Bonnyboy

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #9 on: February 09, 2017, 23:06:09 »
Pictures?   I think that there may be a few of us interested.    Pretty Please!!!  I especially like looking at those sexy rear ends.

You car has people in my American-iron circle talking about Pagodas - its surreal.   I'd be interested to see if they reinforced the unibody.  I talked to one mechanic and he said that a solid car would handle a small block chevy no problem - however he said that he didn't see too many solid bodies as many were rusted or repaired incorrectly. 

My MGB had a small block chev when I bought it and it literally ripped the motor mounts out of the unibody and shredded the rear end (all before I got it).   I put the original engine back in 30 yrs ago and the car corners much better now - next to replace the tranny someday - it didn't fair too well.   
 
Thanks,   
Ian
69 280SL
65 F-100
73 CB750K
75 MGB
78 FLH
82 CB750SC
94 FLHTCU
08 NPS50

Benz Dr.

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #10 on: February 10, 2017, 01:57:41 »
I have something to say about this conversion, and here it is.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Shvegel

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #11 on: February 17, 2017, 14:16:10 »
I have seen a bunch of driveline swaps in various cars and at least from the top that looks pretty well sorted.  Wheels look like they might be Boyd Coddington customs.  Something about the proportions.

BRYANH815

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #12 on: February 18, 2017, 00:15:20 »
We are all VERY INTERESTED. I had a 2014 with the 427. The 5.7 is approx. 400HP car should move off its wheel. if you change it to a "Sleeper" a lot of people will really be surprised. GOOD LUCK nicest resto-mod I could think of besides an old 56 -57 Corvette. but yours looks stock expect for the wheels. good buy too. Bryan H Barrington Hills ILL
1970 280 SL
1965 Stingray Coupe
Bryan E. Hepper Sr.

kiheimatt

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #13 on: February 18, 2017, 00:36:55 »
I have engaged with a company EVOD to make customer wheels that will fit the stud pattern and larger brakes, but will emulate the original look.


Buddydog

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #14 on: February 18, 2017, 18:00:49 »
I have engaged with a company EVOD to make customer wheels that will fit the stud pattern and larger brakes, but will emulate the original look.

Looking forward to the new wheels.  I've been chatting with EVOD but haven't pull the trigger - thanks for saving me the CAD cost  ;D

Here's one they did for project "Mercedes Bent" in 20x8.5 F and 20x10 R.  The best part...the center caps don't spin with the wheels...the star logo always stay pointing up. 



I'm thinking 17" is a good compromise of vintage feel and modern performance.  What size are you purchasing?
1964 230SL 4 speed UNKNOWN Brown

kiheimatt

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #15 on: February 18, 2017, 20:01:56 »
VERY NICE!

I'm going for as close to a stock look as I can.

My preference is for a 16" wheel as I think this would have a better look and the slightly taller tires might have a better ride.

Final decision between 16" and 17" will come after all my measurements are done to ensure caliper fits, etc.

The benefit you will have with 17's is (I think) that you have a lot more options for tires.

kiheimatt

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Scottcorvette

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #17 on: February 19, 2017, 07:28:11 »
That is not a good look.

TheEngineer

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #18 on: February 20, 2017, 20:54:09 »
Look at that! Same color as my 280SL! But I feel that this conversion is not worthwhile. Since I did the engine and installed the 09 cam my car is really very satisfactory and it is nice to know that it is all original, 48 years old and runs just wonderful.
Just my two cents worth.
'69 280SL,Signal Red, 09 cam, License BB-59U
'67 230SL, 113042-10-017463 (sld)
'50 Jaguar Roadster XK120, #670.318 (sld)
tired engineer, West-Seattle,WA

Benz Dr.

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #19 on: February 20, 2017, 22:21:59 »
It's amazing to me how the street rod crowd can really %$(&^ up a nice car. I was always glad that MB cars were able to escape this bastardization process but I guess anything that looks good is now under that sort of thinking. That 190 SL is beyond hideous. Absolute garbage that I wouldn't give you parts car value for. Remember, these are the same people who think they're working on '' classic cars ''.

                                                                          So, I ask everyone. Still want to be in the same league with these classic guys?

 
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Dudlow

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #20 on: February 26, 2017, 16:50:02 »
Whoa there Benz Dr............ off your high horse please.

I can understand that it is not to your taste, but to basically call it a piece of sh1t is missing the point.
There is more work that goes into a good custom than meets the eye, and the engineering is often first class. Live and let live, everyone to their own, a little respect.
Don't forget also that until a few years ago many old Merc's were just lying around rotting, and its better to be brought back to life in any form than being broken for parts.

Personally speaking I would just love a standard looking old SL that has been really well converted into a kick ass modern performance car - a real Q car.  There are firms in Germany I believe that install modern Mercedes engines and running gear into Pagodas, at huge cost. Nobody calls them a piece of sh1t !

66andBlue

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #21 on: February 26, 2017, 20:08:36 »
Whoa there Benz Dr............ off your high horse please. ..
Dudlow,
since you are somewhat new here I suggest you read up a bit more on the group that you joined voluntarily.
Our by-laws state quite clearly (https://www.sl113.org/wiki/About/Bylaws):
The purpose of the Group shall be:
• to increase knowledge and appreciation and maintain the historical heritage of Mercedes Benz SL automobiles, particularly the W113 chassis cars including the 230 SL, 250 SL, and 280 SL models produced from 1963 to 1971;

There is a fine line between maintaining a car's historical heritage and bastardizing it.
Furthermore, there are plenty of groups out there that cater to those that like hot-rod or kick ass modern performance car conversions as you call it.
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

Benz Dr.

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #22 on: February 27, 2017, 02:03:49 »
I think a bit of a history lesson is in order here. First of all, when this group was formed, there were a number of posts that covered all sorts of different topics - nothing was separated into different headings. As one of the founding members sitting on the steering committee, we looked at how the club would be formed with particular attention to the web site because that was what we had at that time. Later on, I sat on the first board of directors and that is when we decided to separate the areas of discussion into the various headers.
At the time, we were already getting a number of posts concerning modified cars or mods you could do to your car. I asked that we not accept these posts based upon our mission statement but in the end I settled for a separate header which I called Research and Development. It really wasn't what I wanted but it was OK.

 This is my 40th year restoring 190SL's. When I started in 1977 people scoffed at these cars and now they're highly prized by collectors and owners. I know how hard it is to restore one of these cars and I'm sorry, but street rodding a 190SL might be one of the dumbest moves you can make. If you get half the value out the other end you'd be lucky. If a person can do that level of fabrication, then they would certainly be capable of restoring it to original condition, so the idea that you are somehow '' saving '' these cars is bogus. However, since it's up to the owner, I guess they can waste their money any way they want.

My closing point is simple. The moment we start praising these efforts is the moment we loose focus. Yes, there is a company in Germany that uses a 280SL to re-create a modern car. They use only MB parts to do it and the build quality is outstanding. It's not for me but maybe it's for someone. The example of the 190SL is hideous because is a bastardized car.

 I won't go any further here - I don't want to hurt someone....... :)
   
« Last Edit: February 27, 2017, 15:50:49 by Benz Dr. »
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

GGR

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #23 on: February 27, 2017, 02:07:57 »
kiheimatt, you should have you thread moved to the "research and development" section, as there is some tolerance for modified cars there.

kiheimatt

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Re: 1965 230SL Resto-Mod (Corvette Engine, Jag rear end)
« Reply #24 on: February 27, 2017, 03:43:20 »
Agreed. I will try to figure out how to move it there.