I saw this on e-bay and, based on the bumper & tail lights, it seems like this is actually not an 81 but maybe an 83? If just the bumper was different, I could understand the theory that it had been replaced/updated for cosmetic preference, but I've never heard of someone investing in a conversion from 5 to 6 panel tail lights.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2484226133&category=6458

Any thoughts?

OK- so, I have an 81 242 DL with teh 5 panel lights, which are explained below. But what about the bumper?

this isn't the best picture of my car, but you can see that it has a metal bumper. Was that an option, or just a difference in the turbo models?

I'm 90% sure that the 81-82 turbos got the so-called commando bumper (i.e. the bumpers you have).

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alex

'89 765T, 175,6xx mi

That is the commando bumper, the TURBO commando's came black from the factory.
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Bruce S. near D.C.

Absolutely right. They're black anodized instead of clear anodized aluminum.

My 82 245T has these, and they still look pretty good!
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 230K, 88 744GLE- 220K, 82 245T-181K Also responsible for the care and feeding of: 88 745GLE, 231K, 87 244DL, 239K, 94 855GLT 189K

"black anodized"
well that explains it. It does look good.

is the windsheild trim the same?

Hello,

The car is what the seller says it is. It's missing the gray refelective strips in the bumpers. The other tell tale sign is that this gray interior was only offered that particular year. Overall not a badd looking car. A good buy for someone.

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Happy Bricking!!! - Richard - '87 245 DL , '82 242 GLT - Half a million km between them!!!

Looks right to me, bumpers, lights are what you would expect.

Agreed, Dr. Bob.

In '81 a 242DL would have had 5-panel lights, but a 242T would have had these lights from the factory.

The intercooler was not stock, but could be installed with a factory upgrade kit. The badge on the trunk is consistent with the kit. Need to see an underhood pic to be sure.

Nice observation, the dealer added badge.