Mercedes-Benz 450 SL

Vehicle Description

There are people who would never consider buying a less-than-perfect classic. And there are wrenches. If you belong to the latter category, this 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL may be just right for you: The convertible was originally delivered to the US and has reportedly gone through three ownerships. Various body parts have been repainted, but the colour wasn’t exactly matched. The underbody looks good, the vehicle has reportedly no rot and only little visible rust. However, what with paint peelings, damaged chrome trim, onset of rust on the boot lid and other spots, porous door and window seals, corroded alloys with kerb damage… It quickly becomes apparent that there’s rather a lot of work to be done.
Inside, it is much the same. The carpeting is coming loose, the seats have small holes, the faux wood centre console has cracks. But there’s also an originial Becker Mexico cassette radio and the original vehicle tool kit.
And of course, there’s this marvellous engine, the popular 4.5 litre V8 which starts up without fail, even if it doesn’t run smooth, and the 3-speed automatic gearbox which according to the consignor works as it should and shifts properly.
In a nutshell: Here’s a solid basis for a restoration. Go for it!

From the autumn of 1971 onwards, the 450 SL is initially built for the US market. Its M 117 engine provides 132 kW (180 hp) in the California version, 140 kW (190 hp) in the version for the other States, and as of 1973, 165 kW (225 hp) at 5000 rpm in the version for the European market. The top speed is 215 km/h and it accelerates from 0 to100 km/h in 8.8 seconds.

The production of the R 107 series ended in August 1989, more than 18 years after it had started. This makes it one of the longest-built chassis from Mercedes-Benz. A total of 237,287 open vehicles were produced at the Sindelfingen main plant.

This vehicle set plenty of standards through continuous innovation and has become one of the eternal automobile classics.

Vehicle Overview