Vehicle Description
Movie star looks on a Wal-Mart budget is the magic of the R107
Mercedes-Benz SL. Cars like this 1979 450SL convertible pack all
kinds of charisma, great performance, and bulletproof hardware,
they look like they should cost a million bucks, yet are remarkably
affordable. If you want to get noticed in a car, this is probably
the most affordable way to do it!
Hard to beat a 2-seat convertible in bright red because some folks
just wouldn't have it any other way. It's not the original color of
the car, but the quality is there, showing it was professionally
done. Sure, it might show a few signs of age, but it's absolutely
okay if you just want to drive and have some fun. Most importantly,
this is a southern car so it hasn't been slogging through winter
weather for years and as a result the doors slam with that
precision that you almost can't find today. Americans have grown
accustomed to the heavy rubber bumpers so they give the car a
substantial look and remain in very good shape, as does the rest of
the bright trim, some of which has been gold plated just for a
little extra sizzle. You also get a modest black deck lid spoiler
reminiscent of the Europe-only 500SL and European-style headlights
that make a huge difference in the look.
The black leather interior is a fantastic upgrade over the usual
MB-Tex vinyl that was standard equipment in these cars. Again, it's
unlike Mercedes to be so flashy, but it totally works in this
2-seater. The seat covers are new and look fantastic, while
original parts like the door panels and dash pad are in very good
condition and the deep, plush carpets haven't faded in the sun,
another very good sign. A lot of accessory woodgraining gives it an
upscale look, including the custom center console and aftermarket
steering wheel that actually works rather well here. These cars
came loaded with every feature they could think of in 1979,
including power windows and locks, cold A/C, and even a rear
defroster in the removable hardtop. There's also a neatly installed
Sony AM/FM/CD stereo head unit with 6x9 speakers behind the seats
for plenty of sound. The trunk is reasonably spacious and
beautifully finished with matching carpets and the car includes
both a black canvas convertible top and a matching red hardtop.
The 4.5-liter V8 engine really needs no introduction. Powering
Mercedes-Benz automobiles for a decade, it is smooth and torquey,
and if properly maintained, will run practically forever. This one
starts easily and idles with a precise mechanical feeling that's
quite different than the isolation chambers we're used to today,
but no less pleasant. Fuel injection gives it sharp throttle
response and the flexible power curve makes it fast without feeling
like it's working too hard and it comes with maintenance records,
so you can buy with confidence. A 3-speed automatic transmission
seems a little syrupy at first, but you'll find that the faster you
go, the better it works. In fact, that goes for the suspension and
brakes, too, which were bred for the autobahn and make this car
supremely competent on American roads. The exhaust has a pleasant
bubbly V8 sound and those chrome wire wheels give it a
distinctively sporty look and are wrapped in recent 205/70/14 Kumho
radials.
These cars remain perennial best-sellers here at Streetside
Classics because they represent performance, style, and value, and
this one is no exception. Call today!