Vehicle Description
1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Convertible
"Sport Leicht" or Lightweight Sport refers to a car capable of
driving at high speed for long periods of time. 1980 was the middle
of the era of Mercedes Benz over engineering the vehicles they
built, and this car is no exception.
For consignment, from the era when Mercedes Benz was over
engineering and overbuilding extreme quality cars which would last
for many years, this car fits the bill exactly. A car with only
69,519 miles. It has a respray and the hardtop is the original
factory color and not resprayed. It has had the once over by a
Certified MB mechanic and all was deemed well, however consigner
states he does have new wires and spark plugs, but they have not
been installed.
Exterior
Dark Red paint covers this car and is matching the factory color.
There is a canvas convertible top, however we could not get the
steel hardtop to come off, so it has not been seen or shown. The
hardtop has not been resprayed, and sports original paint. With the
hardtop on, it is definitely showing off the "Pagoda Style." This
allows for cold weather driving and provides plenty of protection
from all elements. This is also in excellent condition. All chrome
trim and brite-work is good with no signs of dimpling or fading.
Some are wrapped in black vinyl particularly on the bumpers as they
wrap aprons the quarters. Headlights are dual rounds and are very
clear. Taillights are ribbed for self cleaning when it is driven in
the wet. Standard MB wheels are on all 4 corners.
Interior
Very clean is the buzzword for this interior with chip free wood
lacquered veneer, and all original equipment for this interior
including the Becker radio. The dash is unchecked or cracked, and
the gauge cluster is really clean. The original steering wheel is
out front of the dash and is also excellent. Saddle brown MB Tex
covers the buckets and has tuck and roll textured inserts and
smooth bolsters, both in saddle. Currently these buckets are
covered in sheepskin seat coverings. The lovely headrests speak
German to this writer with their design which remains iconic to
these years of the SL's. Pristine gold carpet floods the floors,
and the rear cargo area, as well as the trunk, where in all 3 areas
is not faded or smudged. The door panels also in Saddle, showing
almost no wear, even on the door pulls on the interior. Up top, a
vented vinyl headliner is hanging tight.
Drivetrain
A 4.5 Liter V8 showing some patina but otherwise well kept, sits in
the fairly clean unrestored engine bay. Bosch Jetronic EFI provides
the fuel and a 3-speed automatic transmission is on back. Both the
engine and the transmissions are original to this car. The rear
axle weighs in at 3.08.
Undercarriage
Some patina, road dirt, undercoating but no rust is noted on the
underside of this 69K plus mile car. Independent suspension is all
around, as are power disc brakes.
Drive-Ability
Of course this piece of German engineering fired right up, and
handled our test track with ease. Great acceleration, great
handling, and solid braking. All mechanicals were operable. A fair
runner and good cruiser. It would be suggested that it really needs
a tune up, as it does seem to have a miss. However, those plugs and
wires do come with the car, so the consignor is aware of it and has
conveyed this to us.
1980 never looked so good with this classic. Definitely one of the
stars in the house of this make and model, in excellent overall
condition, no fading, no excessive dirt, no wear on the seats, it
is simply amazing.
VIN DECODE
10704412057649
107-Model 107
044-450 SL
1-LHD
2-Automatic Transmission
057649-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located 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.
