Vehicle Description
1974 Mercedes Benz 450SL Convertible
"In 1972, the car's name was revised and 450SL would be the model
designation moving forward. Another revision was the way in which
horsepower was rated, and the new SAE net meant the 450SL's power
was listed at 190hp. The following year, the 450SL grew large
safety bumpers front and rear in keeping with federal regulations.
In 1975, emissions requirements reduced output to 180hp with the
addition of a catalytic converter. The family of models existed
with minimal changes from 1971 until 1989, a remarkable production
run for a luxury convertible." Thx Hagerty.com
For consignment, a 1974 Mercedes Benz 450SL convertible showing
76,331 miles but the true miles are unknown due to a malfunctioning
odometer. It has been garage kept by our consignor and received new
paint in 2012 and comes with the soft top and the accessory
fiberglass hardtop with the coveted storage rack!
Exterior
Sure, the Light Blue Metallic is a fitting color for a high class
car like this, but it's the matching wheel covers that really bring
the package together in a period highlight that accentuates the
14-inch wheels. The ribbed rocker panel is another characteristic
feature of this personal luxury car, adding character just below
the body molding and parallel to the two colored pinstripe on the
shoulder. And while we're looking at the car in profile, we note
the extended nose and shorter rear section that balances the car by
putting much of it behind the rear wheels, a fantastic
configuration not replicated by many cars. The canvas soft top is
dark blue which provides a nice contrast to the light blue and is
as handsome as a well coordinated suit, while the hardtop matches
the paint and is framed in polished trim on every edge while
providing a curved rear window that spans the width of the car. Up
front, quad headlights hover above inset rectangular fog lights,
all in the shadow of the large three pointed star that fronts the
grille. Imperfections include tears in the canvas top along with
some slight hazing to its plastic windows, bubbling in the paint,
touched up chips, untouched edge chips, peeling paint from the
ribbed rocker, and areas that look over rubbed.
Interior
Vinyl based MB Tex is the material used on the interior and it has
held up well on the door panels, where pleated bands mix with
simulated weave inserts and the always solid Mercedes handles and
hardware presents well. The robust buckets seats have held up well
with blue MB Tex and other than the wear on the driver's side
ingress points and general patina on both, the seats are in good
shape, while much more diminutive 2+2 seats in back barely look
used. Half of the steering wheel has a wrinkled texture while the
top is smoother, each providing good grip and framing the three
dial instrument cluster where a clock is embedded within the
tachometer. The center stack contains an AM/FM radio over
vertically mounted vent levers on a wide, blue panel with several
knobs, eventually waterfalling to the center console that houses
the simple shifter in a notched shift track that sets your
selection, and the rubber base around the track shows some wear.
It's blue on blue in here that continues with the loop carpet that
covers the floor along with the original plush mats in good
condition and more blue carpet in a fitted piece in the otherwise
clean trunk.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a driver quality 4.5 liter SOHC V8 taking up every
bit of real estate in this bay, carrying the Bosch D-Jetronic fuel
injection system and putting out 222 horsepower. The Daimler Benz
3-speed transmission sends power to the 3.07 gears in back, while
power disc brakes are supplied at each of the four wheels. When we
popped the hood, we noticed some surface rust on the underside of
the hood.
Undercarriage
Some oil about, some road dirt, and surface rust that's
concentrated on the exhaust and axles on this driver quality
underside. Dual exhaust runs in tandem and finds a stock style
muffler before tips are released to the atmosphere through
downfacing pipes behind the rear bumper. Once we followed the pipes
back, we note some grease accumulation on the rear differential.
Suspension is configured as independent on front and back.
Drive-Ability
It's smooth sailing for the blue beauty that starts right up and
moves confidently onto the test loop where its low center of
gravity and well balanced body provide a platform that, to our
taste, is just the right size. It's no wonder the formula stuck for
more than 20 years, it's just so well executed. Good pick up, very
good handling, and excellent braking describes the ride and in
terms of functionality, we note the odometer, trip odometer, power
antenna, and central lock system are not working, but all other
items on board such as gauges, lights, and switches all operate as
they should. 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.
Because hundreds of thousands of SL's were built, people tend to
overlook them. But get behind the wheel of one and you'll
immediately understand why the many thousands that were built, were
driven and enjoyed by their owners. This is a driver's car
combining the perfect size and balance with a touch of luxury and
Mercedes quality. Let this nice example be your gateway into the
world of classic cars!
10704412015689
107-SL
044-4.5Liter V8
12-Automatic Transmission
015689-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
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
