Vehicle Description
1974 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Roadster
"Sport Leicht" or Lightweight Sport refers to a car capable of
driving at high speed for long periods of time. 1974 was the era of
Mercedes-Benz over engineering the vehicles they built, and this
car is no exception.
Years of barn storage have rendered this car with lots of
corrosion, underneath a fair finish of repaint that was performed
several years ago sum up this consignment. The good news is a
potential buyer is starting with a car that if restored will always
increase in value, because of the period it was built.
Exterior
Cracked and crazed red gloss repaint covers the exterior. A mohair
convertible is in good condition and is manually operated. The top
is black, which adds to the overall look with the red, as well as
black interior. Chrome is fair, and some corrosion is seen on
brightwork, and bumpers. Due to 1974 crash test requirements in the
US, the bumpers are a full 8" longer in front and back. Headlights
are sealed beam round vs the square European version which were
illegal in the US in 1974. Doors are still closing with a melodious
deep thud, as with any heavy, well-engineered car.
Interior
Black leather bucket seats are worn with age and show some cracking
but not totally through. Rear bench seat is tight but in good
shape. A center console houses the automatic shifter, electric
window toggles as well as a storage area. The dash console has an
aftermarket stereo and climate controls. The driver's seat is
missing the chrome trim which hides the seat hinge, as well as
lumbar adjustment knob. Necessary analog gauges are on the dash in
front of the driver, and the original steering wheel is
present.
Drivetrain
An 8-cylinder 276ci V8 with electronic fuel injection rests under
the hood. The engine shows extensive corrosion as well as spots of
rust but runs smoothly. A 3-speed automatic transmission is present
as is an air conditioning compressor. Underside also shows
extensive corrosion and surface rust, as well as some rubber seal
breakdown. Drum brakes all around as well as a below engine mounted
catalytic converter and exhaust system in good condition.
This is a great example of a desirable sporting classic, a really
well-built and entertaining drop-top that puts a smile on your face
every time you drive it. Even after 44 years it has a quality
German car feel, drives exceptionally well and seems pleasantly
solid. Despite visual corrosion, and paint faults, a solid driver
priced to move.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find
collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania,
conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76
Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and
our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for
more information or to come see the vehicle in person.