Zachmac

I've been cataloging the SL65 convertibles (see separate post) and realized today they are a little more rare than I thought. I've been using the number 3055 for total production based on the numbers in Brian Long's excellent book "Mercedes-Benz SL R230 series, 2001 to 2011". In one section he lists the number of each type produced by model and by year. For the 79 model (SL65s) his total is the 3055 I've been using. BUT, I realized watching a BaT auction of a 2009 SL65 Black Series today that MB did not designate those cars differently WRT model designator in the VIN and Long's number includes the 350 Black Series cars. Therefore the total number (per Long) of R230 SL65 roadsters produced worldwide becomes 2075 rather than 3055.

It doesn't change their value or rarity but it is good to know the total is 350 less. I'll still have to find all 3055 to capture all the roadsters so in the process I'll also catalog the SL65 Black Series.