1975 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

Description

When you look at the market like we do, you can spot trends as they're happening. Right now, we would recommend that you buy and hold a car like this 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450SL. For one, they're insanely affordable and offer great performance and value, and two, prices can only go up from here. So enjoy it now and cash in later with one of the great 2-seaters in automotive history.

There is no better way to look and feel like a movie star than with an SL like this. They were A-list cars when they were new and most folks see that three-pointed star on the nose and a top that goes down and they assume you've won the lottery. This pretty primrose yellow SL has had just three owners, two of which were in the same family, so it's been very well maintained throughout its life. The cars didn't change much over their production life, so an early one is as desirable as a later one because the clean lines are so timeless. It was repainted a few years ago and it looks quite good. Hailing from down south, it isn't a rust bucket and all the rubber trim is in good order. A few chrome bits add substance to the SL's diminutive shape, all of it in very good condition.

The tan upholstery is a nice contrast to the yellow paint and uses familiar MB-Tex vinyl which is both durable and comfortable. The seats appear to be original, more proof of the material's longevity and the car's care over the years. The steering wheel is big and feels hefty in your hands, so you know instantly that you're at the helm of something substantial. Familiar gauges are big and easy to read, monitoring all the usual vitals, and this one carries factory A/C, power windows, and cruise control, all desirable features, even in a top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz. The AM/FM/cassette stereo is the only deviation from stock equipment, but the upgrade is a welcome one. There's a snug-fitting black canvas convertible top stowed under the deck, and it's so nice that it has to be a replacement, and the car, like all SLs, comes with a color-matched hardtop as well. The trunk is outfitted with the original rubber mat and still includes the factory tool kit strapped down in the corner.

The Mercedes-Benz 4.5 liter V8 was a mainstay of production throughout the '70s and into the '80s for a good reason: it was bulletproof. While it's true that a neglected SL can be expensive to put right, properly maintained cars like this are a joy to drive and as long as you take care of them, they'll run forever. There's plenty of torque on tap and thanks to an early Bosch fuel injection system, it starts and runs with a far more modern feel than you'd expect. The 3-speed automatic transmission feels syrupy around town, starting in second gear most of the time, but on the highway is where this car shines and if you let it stretch its legs a bit, you'll find that few cars are better at eating up miles of pavement. It's quite clean underneath, with a correct exhaust system that sounds just right, and we've always liked these cars wearing color-matched hubcaps, which add a sporty flair.

You can buy this car with confidence, as it comes with all kinds of paperwork, including the original invoice, maintenance receipts, and the owner's manual. Don't worry, we won't tell anyone how affordable it really is. Call today!