1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

Description

You can get a heck of a lot of car for not a lot of cash with an R107 Mercedes-Benz SL. This 1979 450SL offers a striking color combination and those movie star looks, for a very affordable price. But don't worry, we promise not to tell your neighbors what a bargain it really is.

We sell a lot of these and there isn't much left to say about "der Panzerwagen." Bulletproof and infinitely stylish, these cars remain iconic even 40 years after their introduction. The build quality is tangible in every part of the car, and the black paint, even though it's got some age on it, reflects that. Having led an easy life with just three owners, this car still fits together quite well with doors that close with the solidity that you'd expect from the three-pointed star. The simple lines are accentuated by a gold pinstripe running from nose to tail and just the right amount of chrome. The US-spec bumpers with their heavy rubber overriders are a familiar look that has aged well and aren't as much of a demerit as they used to be. The grille, lenses, and polished trim all look great against the black paint, giving it a very upscale look that never gets old.

MBTex upholstery never seems to wear out, and the tan seats in this SL have a wonderful patina to them that is very leather-like in its inviting look. Well-maintained, the seats are still firm and comfortable, the carpets haven't been bleached by the sun, and the door panels look almost new. Big, legible gauges are a Mercedes-Benz trademark that perhaps some enthusiasts miss today, and the oversized steering wheel has been replaced by an elegant wood-rimmed wheel. That's genuine wood on the dash and center console, and the only way these cars came was loaded, so all the amenities were standard equipment. The Sony AM/FM/cassette stereo is linked to a CD changer in the trunk and offers upgraded speakers in the package shelf behind the seats for surprisingly robust sound. A black canvas convertible top is there for emergencies, and the factory hardtop and collapsible stand are included, too.

4.5 liters was a pretty big engine in Europe, and the SOHC V8 makes great torque and has a friendly, bubbly exhaust note that's both sporting and sophisticated. Yes, it's complicated, but if you maintain it properly, it'll run practically forever, and that's the case with this car. There's evidence of care throughout the engine bay, and the 3-speed automatic transmission was rebuilt in the '90s, and in Mercedes-Benz terms, that's still pretty fresh. It starts and runs beautifully and thanks to a proper exhaust system, it has that purring exhaust note that's typical of the breed. The all-independent suspension is competent without being aggressive and the brakes are reassuring, so it'll hustle if you want to. Factory "pie tin" alloy wheels were a famous Mercedes-Benz look for more than a decade and they're welcome here, giving the car a very correct look, particularly with 205/70/14 Michelin radials wrapped around them.

Classic 2-seat roadsters with this kind of pedigree shouldn't be this affordable, and you'll probably find that it is your favorite car for just about any job. Call today!