Vehicle Description
THE CAR IS CURRENTLY ON BRING A TRAILER AUCTION. IF INTERESTED IN
BIDDING, PLEASE VISIT THE BAT WEBSITE. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SL -
California Car - 4.5L V8 - Automatic Transmission - 116k Miles -
Brilliant Red Metallic - Black Soft Top - Tan Interior -
Maintenance Records - Original Manuals - Protect-O-Plate If you
grew up in the 80s, you no doubt watched your share of TV shows
that featured iconic cars that were part of the star power on these
series. There were jumping orange Chargers, talking Trans Ams and
even a custom Van full of mercenaries with a specific set of
skills. However, another series featured a car as one of the stars
in a more sedate role. The series Hart to Hart featured a yellow
1978 Mercedes-Benz 450Sl for the first two seasons. If you never
watched Hart to Hart, it was a bit like CSI (without the science),
meets Dallas, produced by the same people who brought you the
A-Team. The series was a huge hit and Mercedes-Benz, keen for some
exposure, gave the studio a red 1980 380 to use for the rest of the
series run. This car in a way is a perfect mix of those cars
featured in the TV show, being a red 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SL. This
clean R107 is originally from California. The red paint has some
minor blemishes throughout, but overall the paint has been
well-maintained and presents with a deep luster. The chrome is
original and has some light patina but along with the
stainless-steel trim shines brightly. These models feature a
removable hardtop that makes for some carefree open-car cruising.
The black canvas convertible top is in good shape free of any tears
or rips. The trunk is clean and features the factory carpet liners
and you will find inside custom car covers for this car. The
polished Cenetra aluminum wheels with locking Mercedes center caps
add some additional class to this red convertible. Inside the tan
interior appears to be original and has been well cared for. The
seat upholstery is clean and free of any rips or tears showing only
some light wear. The original carpet shows some light soiling and
wear, and this car comes with a set of carpeted floor mats
featuring the 450SL logo embroidered on mats. The factory gauge
package includes temperature and oil pressure instruments, with a
center-mounted 160 MPH speedometer and the Mercedes version of the
tic-toc-tach with a tachometer and clock combination. The factory
radio has been upgraded to a vintage Pioneer Super Tuner with AM/FM
cassette player. Other options include cruise control and air
conditioning. Under the hood sits the 4.5L V8 that transfers power
through a 3-speed automatic transmission. The engine compartment is
clean and in original condition with many of the original factory
decals in place and a new starter was installed. Underneath the
suspension is well maintained with some recent steering component
replacements, including tie rods, drag link, and steering dampener.
This car features power steering and power brakes with front discs.
The floor and subframe have been undercoated and as expected from a
California vehicle, this car is free of any rust. Whether you are
looking for some adventure cruising your town solving crimes in
style, or more realistically a luxury collectible convertible for
some top-down cruising, this 450SL is turn-key ready whichever the
case! Please call if interested or e-mail with specific questions.
Thank you for looking.
