Vehicle Description
1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL (Please note: If you happen to be viewing
this 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL on a site other than
GarageKeptMotors.com, it's possible that you've only seen some of
our many photographs of this vehicle due to website limitations. To
be sure you access all our more than 185 photographs, as well as a
short walk-around-and-startup video, please go to our main website:
GarageKeptMotors.) The Mercedes SL continues to age gracefully,
solidifying a design that was destined to become classic, or
perhaps even timeless. -AutoMoments YouTube Review The R107-body
Mercedes SL had a remarkable 17-year run, from 1972 to 1989. While
specifications and options changed over that time, the car's basic
design remained. And its appeal as a collectible open-air grand
tourer to this day underscores why pretty much everyone agrees,
it's a real German classic. A careful look at the 1980 example
offered here bears that out. This 450SL in silver over blue leather
displays what 40 years of competent, consistent maintenance of fine
German machinery can result in, namely a luxury sport drop-top that
would look as at home today parked in front of a country club or in
a fancy restaurant's valet line as it did forty years ago. Not only
is the car a classic, this particular color combination-with either
its painted hard top, or its blue-fabric convertible top in
place-really is stunning. The car's exterior body panels and
brightwork all exhibit excellent surface condition with only minor
surface rust showing behind the front wheels. Panel alignment is
factory-straight. All glass-windshield, headlights, and mirrors-is
crack-free, as are the brake and indicator light lenses. The
emblems, including the flush-mounted hood emblem, front-grille
emblem, and model-identification rear-deck emblems are all in place
and in good condition The 4.5-liter V8 engine runs smoothly,
obviously benefitting from maintenance documented by a sheaf of
shop invoices included with the car, as well as owner-performed
servicing with the assistance of the Haynes repair manual, also
included. The engine compartment is tidy with all proper components
in place. Underneath, other than modest surface rust characteristic
of a 40 year-old automobile, there is no evidence of structural
issues or shortcomings. Inside, the SL really shines. There's just
something special about leather from Mercedes, never more appealing
than in this lovely dark-blue shade. Seen against the silver body
paint, the combination is classic (there's that word again!) There
are two shortcomings in this car's interior. First is the condition
of the wood surrounding the shifter on the center console. The
finish has succumbed to too much sun. Fortunately, a replacement
wood trim piece is readily available, as indeed are parts for the
car generally given its long production run and many loyal owners
today. Second, in the same way, the passenger-compartment carpeting
is slightly sun-faded. New carpeting sets are also available, or
the owner might choose re-dyeing since the carpeting is not unduly
worn. Also noteworthy in the interior is the period-correct Becker
Mexico AM FM radio. The bucket seat upholstery is free of rips or
tears, as is the matching door-card upholstery, and the handsome
chrome seat supports are in excellent condition. (The driver-side
door-sill trim piece is cracked and should be replaced.) Gauges
have not suffered color fading, and all lenses are clear.
Switchgear-including air-conditioning controls-operates as it
should. The trunk and spare-tire area are clean and tidy. While the
more than 185 high-definition photographs and the short
walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors
website showcase this 450SL in detail, we encourage in-person
inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. Please call to
arrange an appointment in advance, or get in touch by phone or
email if you have any questions. In its day, owning this Mercedes
SL c