Vehicle Description
Not many cars have aged better than this 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL
roadster. Few cars can truly be called timeless, but the R107 SL
definitely qualifies, and even today, nearly 30 years after they
went out of production, they still command respect from the general
masses. Despite the very affordable price tag, these cars remain
grade-A cars to own and drive, and represent huge bang for the
buck.
Like most convertibles, Mercedes roadsters always look best in
light colors that seem to emphasize the car's sun-worshipping
status. This 450SL represents everything that was right about the
R107 roadster, a near-ideal blend of style and luxury that made it
the premier luxury car of the era. The remains in good condition, a
testament to the quality of the materials and the care this car has
received over the past two-and-a-half decades, although it's
possible that the hood has been repainted at some point. Gaps and
panel fit are to typical German standards and remain excellent
today. Light colors tend to minimize any flaws, but this one has
laser-straight flanks, crisply rendered body lines, and almost zero
signs of road rash in any of the usual locations. All the chrome
and stainless remains bright, and the US-spec rubber bumpers, which
usually suffer from degradation in the sunlight, are in good
condition and you could dress them a bit to really make this car
sparkle.
Dark blue seats are a sporting compliment to the light blue paint,
tastefully rendered in leather, which was optional. There are the
usual wear issues on the outer edges of the seats, which is
probably totally unavoidable on a convertible with leather
upholstery. On the other hand, there's no question that it's
original and things like the carpets, wood veneers on the dash, and
steering wheel are all in excellent condition. You'll also note
that almost everything was standard on an SL, and this one includes
power windows, cold air conditioning, and cruise control, in
addition to the usual stuff like power steering and 4-wheel disc
brakes. We're thinking that the Blaupunkt AM/FM/cassette stereo
head unit isn't original (most of these had Becker Grand Prix
units) but if it's not OEM it was probably installed when the car
was quite new. Overhead there's a dark blue convertible top that
fits snugly, and all SLs of this vintage came standard with
matching hardtops.
That 4.5 liter V8 is a wonderful machine, torquey and smooth with a
fantastic bubbly exhaust note that sings in appropriately hushed
tones thanks to a correct exhaust system. Known for their
longevity, these engines are virtually indestructible given proper
maintenance, and will happily run for hundreds of thousands of
miles with just gas and oil changes. Judging by the under hood
area, this one has been maintained if not cleaned, but you can see
a lot of new components throughout. A 3-speed automatic
transmission was standard equipment on US-bound SLs and it shifts
so smoothly you won't even feel it. The fully independent
suspension rides extremely well, yet gives the roadster competent
handling when the road turns aggressive, and strong disc brakes at
all four corners shed speed without concern. And while the elements
are always the enemy, this car has clearly spent its life somewhere
warm, because it's very tidy underneath, although not detailed for
show. Classic chrome wire wheels are a sporty look and wear recent
205/70/14 blackwall radials.
This is a handsome and affordable 450SL with a clean bill of health
that's ready to enjoy. Call today!