Vehicle Description
1972 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Convertible
The SL/SLC series from Mercedes ran from 1971 until 1989 making
them the second longest running series produced by the company.
Only the G class has been in production longer. North America was
the target market for the series which was promoted as a personal
luxury car and was the only roadster being produced by Mercedes
during its time of production. They've long been regarded as cars
of the affluent and even ended up in television and movies, most
notably the early 80's television series, Hart to Hart.
For consignment, a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible, a garage
kept, 24 year owned and well maintained example with two tops and a
great exterior color. The car will come with service records.
Exterior
Finished in Signal Red, this bright sports convertible makes a
statement standing still. And that statement is, look at me! The
euro headlights are a stand out and the grooved front spoiler pulls
design cues from the distinctive serrated rocker panel that runs
the length of the car. Polished accents ride the brow of the wheel
openings and highlight the difference in the openings which help
create the sleek profile of this sporty two seater. Whether it's
the paint matched accessory hard top, the black canvas soft top, or
riding in the open air, the straight shoulder line and raked
windshield and square hips set this car apart and only the
forthcoming Ford Granada had the gall to compare itself to the SL.
Its unique shape is instantly recognizable and its design was
virtually unchanged for about twenty years because it was that
good, and still looks great today and 15-inch wire wheels enhance
the look, and wear tires with an early 2024 date code.
Imperfections include bubbling on the rocker panels and rust on the
pinch weld and rust through and damage on the underside of a rocker
panel, paint runs, and bubbling on several areas of the grooved
lower panel, and a line of cracked paint.
Interior
Black and gray MB Tex, a synthetic leather material, covers the
door panels in handsome rectangular patterns and textures, clean
and simple. The colors are brought over to the bucket seats where
gray inserts are framed by smooth black MB tex, topped by robust
head restraints, all in very good condition. A textured steering
wheel leads to a simple and efficient gauge cluster with clear
displays and a row of indicator lights below. The center stack
houses an AM/FM/Cassette radio and dual controls for the A/C, while
the console is home to the shifter in a polished metal base and
where we'd often find wood veneer, there are tasteful textured
black plastic panels. The shell of the center console and the
storage bin has multiple cracks in the plastic and a center button
is missing. Low pile black carpet covers the floor and on the
driver's side, shows some age. It continues on the storage shelf in
the back where it is in good condition. Gray panels line the trunk
and show some usage but are in overall good shape.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a driver quality 4.5 liter SOHC V8 rated at 222
horsepower, fuel injected via a Bosch D-Jetronic system, and put
into motion by a 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to
the rear axle with 3.07 gears. Power disc brakes occupy front and
back.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath as well with areas of surface rust,
residual oil, and general usage patina. The dual exhaust enters a
stock style muffler just before exiting out the back through twin
tips that fit in a contoured rear valance. Both front and rear
suspension are independent and consist of coil springs.
Drive-ability
Nothing quite like a vintage Mercedes and this one rolls
effortlessly onto our test loop. It has good power and plenty of
grunt to get this luxurious little car moving. The brakes work as
intended and the only flaws we found were the turn signals not
working and the power antenna inoperable. All other functions
worked as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
We'll go out on a limb and say these SL's will look good 100 years
from now. Benz designers simply got it right with this one and they
are still head turners long after production on this body style has
ended. Once ubiquitous and the go to car for Hollywood's movers and
shakers, they are now rare to see and considered classics. And in
red, a real firecracker! Are your ready to light this one up? Give
us a call.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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