For Sale: 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SL in Torrance, California

West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this comprehensively restored 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SL roadster; the only year of the 450SL series to be imported into the US with the attractive European small chrome bumpers before the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration enforced bumper regulations incorporating stronger energy absorbing bumpers without regard to aesthetics for safety reasons. Introduced in late 1972, this particular example is an early US specification car and is thus equipped with the significantly more attractive small chrome bumpers that were fitted to all European cars. It is also fitted with the considerably peppier high compression engine making over 60hp more than the equivalent 1980 version (225hp VS 160hp)!All original handbooks, service warranty manuals showing regular service maintenance, 'Becker Europa' radio manual and restoration receipts and always primarily serviced at Mercedes specialists and dealers since new! Recent full service for turn key ready driving including A/C retrofit at our independent Mercedes specialists 'Malibu Motors' of Santa Monica, CA. Obviously always garaged with no rust!The original 'Blue' (color code 903) factory color paint is exceptional and the matching 'Blue' MBTex interior is also in gorgeous shape with no signs of wear. The car has its original factory matching color hard top and its seemingly original 'Blue' canvas soft top which is also in pristine condition.The car's factory options include: automatic transmission, power assisted steering, power brakes, tinted glass, cruise control, electric window lifts, electrically heated rear window on hard top, fully independent suspension, power assisted four wheel disc brakes, limited slip differential, Halogen head and fog lamps, automatic air conditioning with climate control, central locking, original 'Becker' radio available, and to be sold with the car, and beautiful factory chrome 'Bundt' alloy wheels.The car drives exactly like such a well maintained and serviced Mercedes should and must be seen and driven to be truly appreciated. The engine is extremely strong with no noticeable oil leaks, the transmission shifts smoothly through the gears and the temperature always remains cool.Without doubt, this is one of the finest classically beautiful roadster designs built by Mercedes-Benz, probably the last classically beautiful convertible series they built and now becoming more desirable and collectible than ever before - certainly you will look long and hard to find a finer head-turning example of this only one year model available with the attractive European chrome bumpers anywhere else!