1974 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

Description

Not many mid-70s cars have aged better than this 1974 Mercedes-Benz 450SL. Few cars can truly be called timeless, but the R107 SL definitely qualifies, and even today, nearly 25 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 older repaint remains in exceptionally 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. 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, remain supple and clear. It's obvious someone loved this car for many years.

Dark blue seats are a sporting compliment to the light blue paint, beautifully rendered in MB-Tex that is comfortable and durable. The interior's condition strongly suggests that it has been exceptionally well maintained since new: there are no wear issues on the seats aside from some modest stretching in the driver's chair, the carpets are appropriate to the car's age and mileage, and the rear package shelf, which always gets baked in the sun, only shows some very minor discoloration. You'll also note that almost everything was standard on an SL, and this one includes power windows, air conditioning, and cruise control, which was added sometime after the car was built. The original stereo has been upgraded with an Alpine AM/FM/cassette head unit and a set of fresh speakers in the package shelf area. Overhead there's a dark blue convertible top that fits snugly, and all SLs of this vintage came standard with matching hardtops.

The 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 lovingly maintained, and shows signs of recent service, including new ignition components, hoses, and filters. A 3-speed automatic transmission was standard equipment on US-bound SLs. 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. Of note, the rear differential was recently serviced and the A/C was recently serviced and upgraded to R134a refrigerant. And while the elements are always the enemy, this car has clearly spent its life somewhere warm, because it's pretty tidy underneath, although no detailed for show or anything like that. Classic Mercedes alloys wear recent 205/70/14 blackwall radials.

This is a gorgeous 450SL with a clean bill of health that's ready to enjoy. Call today!