I have $10,000 into this vehicle. I've reduced my asking price to $7,500. If it doesn't sell shortly, I'll probably just put it back in storage and keep it. The vehicle is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
This is a nice example of the 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Convertible. This is the first year that this model was imported into the United States and, as such, retains the small steel bumpers that were original to the model and that were later required to be replaced by the more bulky plastic bumpers in subsequent model years. I purchased this vehicle approximately five years ago from the original owner’s family.
The vehicle has approximately 98,000 original miles. Has a newer convertible top in excellent condition. Has the original hardtop in excellent condition. The vehicle is being sold with the original owners manual and tool kit.
Here is an overall breakdown as provided by a mechanic friend of mine:
The Good:
Acceleration – we went from zero to 60 is just about 8 seconds. The spec is 8.2 seconds, so allowing for fat finger time on my stopwatch – I say this is Spot on.
Braking – Brakes worked really well. I am not sure of the distance spec, but at 40 miles per hour the car probably stopped within 150 feet. For reference a new vehicle will stop at 40 MPH within 130 feet – so all things considered this is pretty good. Also, the back of the car did not sway out indicating that braking was even on both sides of the vehicle.
Alignment – took my hands off the wheel at 40MPH and there was just a slight list to the right. Probably drifted about 6 to 8 inches in 2-3 blocks. So pretty solid.
Steering wheel play. Minimal – I could only turn the wheel about an inch before the car started turning in the direction of the wheel.
The Bad:
Wiper – problem could be a faulty multi relay in the wiper system. Price around $45.00 Plus about 1-2 hours of labor to replace. Assumption is the wiper motor is functional.
Gas Gauge – problem could be a faulty fuel level sending unit (e.g. Fuel Float) . Could also be a the wire harness to the float. Float price around $155.00, Wire harness around $250.00
Plus about 3-4 hours labor to replace.
Radio – he was pretty doubtful that if I gave him the VIN and radio model he could find the code. He mentioned that if it was Becker manufactured the replacement and I could provide the serial number they may be able to provide the code. This is a toss – up. Replacement radio = $300-500.00
Speakers – unknown at this point since the radio does not work.
Antenna – the antenna is a Hirschmann Auto 6000H which was actually manually control by a rocker switch in the dash. I did not see a rocker switch in the dashboard – but did see a toggle switch under the dash on the driver side. If this was indeed the antenna switch – then the antenna is not working because I toggled this left and right and nothing happened. The problem could be wiring, the switch or the antenna assembly itself. Estimate to fix about $300.00 – 500.00 (mostly diagnostic labor – as the parts are not expensive)
AC – the cost would be anywhere from $250 if all that is needed are replacement o-rings to $2000-3000 if the entire AC system needs to be replaced. The fact that the pully belt has been removed was taken as “not a good sign” as it means the AC components could be seized.
Bottom Line:
The car would be an excellent purchase for someone that is mechanically inclined. The engine and braking system are spec on – so anyone buying the vehicle is certainly not getting a lemon.
POWERTRAIN
The vehicle has the original 4.5-liter V8 providing 190 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. I don’t believe that the engine has ever been rebuilt. The vehicle runs and drives well.
EXTERIOR
The underside of the hood was repainted in approximately 2018, but approximately ninety (90%) of the paint on the vehicle is believed to be original, with no swirls or body blemishes noted. The body seals are all in good condition. As stated, the convertible top was replaced and is in excellent, leak-free condition. There is very little evidence of rust and the floor panels were both replaced since I’ve owned the vehicle. The chrome is complete and in very good, un-restored condition. The glass is in good shape with no cracks and/or scratches. All of the lighting works properly.
INTERIOR
The Palomino upholstery and carpets are original. The dashboard has a small crack in the leather as shown in the pictures. The interior does not appear to be missing any trim pieces and the gauges are all in working order. The radio was replaced at some point with an after-market radio. The power windows and central locking are working and functional. The heater works, but the air conditioning is no longer functional. The power radio antenna is also no longer working, but the original antenna motor is still in the car. The sun visors are functional and can be raised and lowered.
CHASSIS
The suspension is in working and driving condition, the brakes are in good condition, the alloy wheels are free of pitting, and the tires have less than 500 miles.
DOCUMENTATION
I have the current clean Pennsylvania title to the vehicle and a number of the past service records and invoices, along with the original tool roll. This 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Convertible is complete, presentable, and a good driver. My cell phone number is (412) 758-4878; work number is (412) 381-7370. The vehicle is at my buddy's house in Hickory, PA. His name is Darryl and his cell phone number is (412) 400-5468.
