For Sale: 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL in Concord, North Carolina

This 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL likes to deliver a timeless sense of style in a classic that's easy to drive and enjoy. So the fuel-injected V8 power and sturdy German engineering meet the care-free drop-top lifestyle. And at a price like this, there's even room in your budget to put your personal touch on this car.

This car has a driver-quality kind of style in all the best ways. That means it has a fundamentally good-looking style where the black paint has the gloss to showcase the curves of the sheet metal. There's a refined look to the gentle curves of the hood and a pleat that runs from headlight to tail light. And the golden pinstripe is a terrific touch. But the overall look is not about the kind of car that sits in the garage. Driver quality means this is a car that never makes you nervous about going out and driving. After all, the R107 Mercedes SL was built to outlast multiple generations of ownership. So you may upgrade the paint or details if you're looking for perfection, but overall, this car is elegant and sturdy at first glance.

The tan interior is a pleasing contrast to the black bodywork. The seats are durable yet supple MB-Tex, the carpets are plush, and the dash is adorned with glossy real wood. Just like the exterior, it's driver-quality, but it's also quite complete, right down to the working courtesy lights that greet you when the door opens. There's a long list of factory features, including power windows, power locks, cruise control, and provisions for air conditioning (it will need servicing to blow cold again.) And because this is a driver's car, there are also nice upgrades, like the wood-rimmed sports steering wheel and the AM/FM/CD stereo with Bluetooth. There's a convertible top stowed under the hard shell tonneau cover, and a color-matched hardtop is included, making this SL an all-weather friend.

The 450 SL's namesake 4.5-liter engine was the main top powerplant for most US-bound Mercedes-Benz models of this era, and that's for a good reason. It's a hardy and powerful fuel-injected V8. Parts are still easy to find and relatively inexpensive, so having this serviced is far easier than other 1970s European classics. The automatic transmission, power steering, and four-wheel power disc brakes make for a solid cruising attitude.

Complete with the owner's manual, this is a classic cruising Benz for those who want to drive something special without breaking the bank. Call now!