For Sale: 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SL in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1973 Mercedes Benz 450SL Convertible

"Mercedes-Benz measures a car's value not by how it looks but how it works. The engineers, not the stylists, hold the reins. Your investment is repaid by something more tangible than surface dazzle, by the satisfaction of driving a precision machine endowed with every technical advance needed to provide safe, smooth, reliable motoring under all possible weather and road conditions." From the 1973 Mercedes-Benz brochure.

For consignment, a 1973 Mercedes Benz 450SL convertible with a title verified 96,159 actual miles. 8,654 450SL were produced in 1973, the most of any of the production years from 1971 to 1980 during which a total of 66,298 were produced.

Exterior
One repaint over the years with a fresh coat of Yellow paint endures on this pre mid century timepiece and a design that lasted more than 20 years at Mercedes. The proverbial "three cars in one" applies to this example with a soft top, an accessory hard top, and of course, open air driving with both tops off. At this point, we note the soft top will need new windows installed. This luxury sports car boasts a low center of gravity, balanced body sections, and the distinctive Mercedes lights, both the double headlights and three part wrap around rear units. Talk about distinctive, the 14-inch wheels are instantly recognizable, even if they didn't have the 3 pointed star on the center cap. Overall, the paint and trim is in very good condition with imperfections noted at bubbling behind a wheel near the rocker trim, a spot of rust through, and some peeling on a wheel.

Interior
Handsome, two tone saddle MB Tex makes up the door panels with linear inserts and ergonomic door pulls and both doors present in good condition and the same color and materials are utilized on the bucket seats which show some patina but are intact. There's some age evident around the rear package shelf which remains fully functional and relatively clean. Our textured rubber like steering wheel rim is nice and frames the arching instrument cluster housing clean and efficient gauges while the center stack has an original AM/FM radio and vertical levers for the A/C with a tiny diagram showing in graphics how to set the defrost. General patina throughout including the center console with more saddle coloring and a shifter the moves through a slotted gate adding a touch of safety to the shifting process. Brown carpet covers the floor and the camel MB Tex panels that line the footwell show a bit of age. The trunk is mostly barren and has a fitted rubber mat.

Drivetrain
Driver quality under the hood where you'll find a 4.5 liter SOHC V8, fuel injected via the Bosch D-Jetronic system, and rated at 222 horsepower. It's mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear axle with 3.07 gears.

Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust and some grunge build up on components is not surprising with this driver, and we note some flaking rust at the inner rocker panels and on an underbody panel. Power disc brakes occupy front and rear and so do coil springs for the two ended independent suspension. Dual exhaust enters a stock style muffler and exits as twin tailpipes.

Drive-Ability
The perfect combination of sportiness and personal luxury is achieved by the SL model and this one fits the bill as well. The 4.5 liter comes to life without hesitation and we roll this yellow Benz around the test where it performs well, but we are on old tires with cracking sidewalls, so we keep it brief. Everything works with the exception of the heater blower and we return to the mall to find a bright spot for this vibrant SL. 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.

Our consignor told us it was excellent driver quality and we have to agree here. That said, the bright yellow paint and vintage status makes it an instant show car too, even if it's not perfect. Even if you avoid the show circuit, you won't be able to avoid the comments and questions you'll get wherever you take it. Despite the body style sticking around for 20 years, they're still unusual to see and continue to emit an air of elegance and wealth.

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!