Vehicle Description
As the longest-running passenger car in Mercedes-Benz history, the
R107-series of SL-roadsters earned its place as an icon of the 70s
and 80s, blending performance, safety, and quality in an impeccably
styled two-seat roadster. Much like the R113 that preceded it, the
R107 was a sports car for continental touring that you could use in
all conditions. It was beautifully built, with an optional
removable hardtop, effective climate control, and superb build
quality that shrugged off the notion that sports cars needed to be
finicky and rough around the edges. The R107 SL-series was a
tremendous success, and Mercedes continually evolved it with
increasingly powerful six and eight-cylinder engines, refined
dynamics, and more sophisticated safety and luxury features.
Enduring as Mercedes' flagship sports car for seventeen years, the
R107 looked as crisp and sophisticated in 1989 as it did in 1972.
This 1979 450SL is a beautiful example showing just under 28,000
miles from new and presented in the desirable combination of black
over a red interior. It is a beautifully maintained original car,
accompanied by the window sticker, owner's manuals, sealed factory
tool kit, service history, both tops, and more. The black paintwork
is in superb condition with crisp and well-defined lines all around
and the precise shut lines expected from a Mercedes-Benz product of
this era. The doors close with vault-like solidity, and the entire
car feels remarkably taut for being more than 40 years old. The
chrome bumpers and polished body trim are all in excellent order.
It retains the original under-bumper auxiliary fog lamps and rides
on chrome "Bundt" alloy wheels shod with Michelin rubber. The
factory hardtop is included, and the black canvas soft top is in
very good order, with just some minor creasing clouding of the
plastic rear window. The beautiful red leather interior trim
reflects the exceptionally low mileage and is in well-preserved
original condition. Minor creasing is noted in the driver's seat
base, while the rest of the upholstery is taut and clean. The dash,
door panels, and console wood trim are in superb order. In typical
Mercedes fashion, the controls and switches have that
hewn-from-solid feel. It retains the optional Becker Mexico
AM/FM/Cassette player deck, along with the factory first aid kit
and tool kit - unused and sealed in its original plastic bag. The
boot is lined in matching red carpeting, houses the original spare
wheel and Continental tire, and provides a reasonable amount of
space for a weekend's worth of luggage. Mercedes-Benz's 4.5-liter
V8 was the standard engine for all US-market SLs from its
introduction in 1972 through 1980 when the smaller displacement,
less powerful 380SL replaced it. The overhead-cam V8 is renowned
for its linear power and silky-smooth refinement. Under this car's
bonnet, the V8 is tidy and pleasingly honest in its presentation,
with lightly weathered original finishes consistent with its low
mileage. It runs well, with the effortlessly dependable character
expected of a Mercedes of this era. Power goes to the rear wheels
via a 3-speed automatic transmission, and the chassis features
four-wheel disc brakes and fully independent suspension. While the
SL is tuned for touring comfort, the handling is remarkably
well-composed even when pressing on hard, living up to the
"sports-luxury" its name implies. Because of their exceptional
versatility and durability, many R107 SLs saw everyday use and have
racked up huge mileage, making cherished, well-preserved early cars
like this 450SL a rare find indeed. Beautifully presented in lovely
colors, this SL is an excellent choice for the novice enthusiast or
experienced collector alike. Offers welcome and trades considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6729-1979-mercedes-benz-450sl-roadster/