Vehicle Description
1975 Mercedes Benz 450SL Convertible
"The Mercedes-Benz SL name has always signified a certain level of
automotive style and sophistication, and each new generation seems
both to define and be defined by its era. Such was the case when
the R107 model SL came on the scene in 1971 as a replacement for
the popular 230/250/280SL W113 series. The family of models existed
with minimal changes until 1989, a remarkable production run for a
luxury convertible." Thx Hagerty.com
For consignment, a 1975 Mercedes Benz 450SL with a title verified
15,559 actual miles, a three owner car with a repaint and
mechanical refurbishment to support Mercedes' goals expressed in
the 1975 brochure, "driving today requires a controlled, smooth
driving style and courtesy. Mercedes-Benz builds cars for drivers
who realise, (sic), this".
Exterior
Two stage English Red presents as a color fit for a personal luxury
car, not overly bright and not particularly dark, but ultimately
pleasing to the eyes, made more so by the color matched covers on
the 14-inch wheels. The three box design, wide and low to the
ground, hit a nerve with the public, lasting more than 20 years,
and featured a longer nose but a rear section with large overhang
to balance things out. And on the Americanized versions, extended
bumpers significantly increase the length of the car and include
rubber bumperettes. The dual headlight design that bookends the
classic grille is unmistakably Mercedes and the large three point
star would shrink and grow over the years, but its prominence is
characteristic here. This car is equipped with a black canvas top
with a three pane plastic window and it's in great shape, as is the
paint and metalwork on the car and we could find no external
imperfections.
Interior
Parchment leather makes its first appearance on the door panels
where perforated inserts mix with smooth stretches to present a
clean and efficient door with only some slight wrinkling on the
driver side. The seat mimics the materials and shows quite a bit of
patina, particularly on the driver's side. But these seats are
notoriously comfortable, robust and supportive at the same time.
Behind the seats is a generous and carpeted package shelf framed in
parchment leather padding, also showing a bit of wear. And then we
turn to the steering wheel and dashboard which are both understated
and orderly and presented with some apparent quality. Three main
gauges are underscored by a row of labeled idiot lights while the
center stack holds a Blaupunkt AM/FM/Cassette radio and a simple
A/C panel. Grained plastic surrounds the shifter in the center
console and for your convenience, a cassette organizer lives where
an armrest would normally reside. The twist pile parchment colored
carpet below is in good shape and protected with brown Berber mats
while the trunk has a fitted rubber mat and battery box.
Drivetrain
A driver quality and rather compact 4.5 liter SOHC V8 lives under
the hood, fuel injected via a Bosch D-Jetronic system, and rated at
a healthy 222 horsepower. A large brake booster in the bay supports
the presence of power discs on all four wheels and once you let off
the brakes, it's a Daimler-Benz 3-speed automatic transmission
sending power to the rear axle with 3.07 gears that allow you to
"devote your whole attention to the traffic" as the 1975 says about
the automatic.
Undercarriage
Driver quality down here as well with surface rust and some road
dirt and an overall sheen that appears to be an undercoating. Like
the rest of the car, the chassis is built with quality, heavy
metal, and robust components. The dual exhaust meets a stock style
muffler in back that lets out twin tailpipe tips through a space
provided in the valance. Both front and back wheels ride on
independent suspension. The knuckles are clear, there's no invasive
rust, and the bottom of the doors are good.
Drive-Ability
If you ever question the appeal of the SL, all you really have to
do is sit in one and drive it. This car delivers the typical well
balanced and powerful ride experience we've come to expect and does
so without a hiccup. The SL's are sure footed and handle well,
blending all the best of a grand tourer and sports car that can
also serve as a mighty fine grocery getter. All functions on this
well maintained car work 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.
The brochure tells us, "the semi trailing arms, wheels suspension
and anti roll bars are arranged to prevent the rear end from
dipping when accelerating". See, it's the little things like this
that make these cars so special. That's probably a relatively
common feature today, but in 1975, not many were doing it and here
in the states at least, leaf springs were still in frequent use.
Fifty years later, this car will still turn heads, still elicit
envy, and is gratifying to look at even when resting in the garage.
Make room, then give us a call!
10704412023061
107-SL
044-4.5Liter V8
12-Automatic Transmission
023061-Sequential Unit Number
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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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