We are pleased to present this 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL which I have owned since 1996 (third owner). The ride in this luxury roadster is smooth and zippy and it still looks as elegant and is as much of a head-turner as it was almost 40 years ago. It provides a very comfortable ride while instilling the driver with confidence in its handling ability, especially at higher speeds. It's peppy, and the steering is precise and tight. It handles superbly, better than many new cars on the road today. The interior appointments are simply beautiful, and compliment the graceful lines of the exterior. This car is one of the cleanest 450’s you will find and it is completely rust-free. You will feel like million bucks cruising with the top down in this beauty. It was and still is the ultimate iconic luxury sports roadster. You can’t park in front of a restaurant or stop for gas without someone invariably asking you, “What year is that Mercedes?” This roadster was built in Stuttgart, Germany during the era when Mercedes-Benz was truly “Engineered like no other car in the world.”
HISTORY
The R107 chassis 2-seat convertible roadster with standard soft top and optional hardtop was first manufactured in 1971 with sales commencing in North America beginning in 1972 and was continuously produced with minor variations and various drivetrains until the model year 1989. In September 1977 the 450 SL joined the line, featuring a new 4.5 liter V8, aluminum alloy bonnet and boot-lid, with a small front-lip spoiler. The 450 was produced in order to homologate the SLC for the 1978 World Rally Championship. Starting in 1980, the 350, 450 and 450 SLC models (like the 350 and 450 SL) were discontinued in 1980 with the introduction of the 380 and 500 in March 1980. At the same time, the cars received a very mild makeover; the three-speed automatic was replaced by a four-speed unit. SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA
SPECIFIC BUILD INFORMATION
EXTERIOR
The paint is original color (Silver). Body is completely original and was Ziebart rust protected in December of 1979 immediately after it was purchased. This body is solid with no rattles and has absolutely no rust, which is hard to find on a nearly 40-year-old car of this vintage. This vehicle is a fair weather car and has been pampered, always garaged and never driven in the rain or snow. Hardtop and soft-top look brand new today (both rarely used). Soft-top was replaced in 1996 and rarely used since (probably less than a half dozen times). Chromed 15 inch 1997 Mercedes-Benz alloy wheels were added in 1999 (original 14" OEM alloys available, but not included in the sale). Mercedes-Benz Windschott windscreen added in 1999. Mercedes-Benz Bosch Euro headlamps added in 2003. It rides on four brand NEW Bridgestone Turanzas, Firestone's top of the line tires, that have less than 200 miles on them. I've had a couple of sets of these tires on my Infiniti and they grip and wear better than Michelins.
INTERIOR
Engine is the original, fuel injected, 4.5 liter 4 stroke V8 generating 225 HP. This engine is bulletproof and is one of the best, most reliable engines ever produced by Mercedes-Benz and it runs fantastic. The three-speed automatic transmission runs smooth. Recently replaced the Catalytic Converter and had the fuel mixture adjusted to specs to pass emissions tests in 2017. Recently replaced the steering linkage and had the steering gearbox adjusted in 2017. The 4-wheel independent suspension is in great shape and provides a very nice, smooth yet firm ride. The VIN number, with little Mercedes-Benz Star Logos on each side of the number, is engraved into the front frame cross member, indicating that this car was never in a collision. If that front frame member is replaced it would not have the VIN number engraved into it, but they would unscrew the VIN plate and transfer it.
EXTRAS INCLUDED
Extras include; hardtop with castered dolly storage rack. A canvas tonneau car cover that was used in lieu of both tops when stored in my garage or parked out in the sun to preserve the leather seats. Two matching OEM Mercedes 450SL floor mats with Mercedes carpet clips (showing minimal wear) are included. Two sets of original keys and one replacement set are included. One soft/hard top removal tool, One Haynes Mercedes-Benz Repair Manual for 350 & 450 1971-1980 model years, Owner's manual, Maintenance booklet, Engine/Chasis Catalog and all maintenance & repair records, and receipts for last 21 years.
DISCLOSURES
There are a few chips/ minor imperfections in the paint (See detailed pictures). The left front fender panel near the headlight has been repaired from parking lot incident, and as a result, I had the whole car repainted the original color in 2003 because they could not exactly match the original 24-year-old slightly faded silver metallic paint. Odometer quit working approximately 6-7 years ago. Had it fixed twice before that, but it kept reverting to not working for some unknown reason, so I gave up on that aspect. The car odometer shows 64K, it had 50K on it when I bought it. The vehicle has less than 85K miles on it, as I put a new set of Michelins on it shortly after I purchased it in 1996, and just recently replaced them with the Firestone Turanzas.
For more information please contact owner at 314-409-7766.
The cost of parts and restoration of these vehicles are increasing daily. Obviously, they are not making any more of these vintage models and, therefore, they are becoming rarer by the day. Luckily new parts are still available from Mercedes-Benz dealers and used parts online through venues such as eBay. Buy one complete and ensure your investment for the future. An excellent investment and something you can enjoy daily. Collectible vintage vehicles have historically appreciated at a rate greater than or equal that of the stock market and other collectibles as documented by many articles and auction results tracking. Besides that, you can't drive a stock certificate!!
