1972 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Convertible
The SL/SLC series from Mercedes ran from 1971 until 1989 making them the second longest running series produced by the company. Only the G class has been in production longer. North America was the target market for the series which was promoted as a personal luxury car and was the only roadster being produced by Mercedes during its time of production. They've long been regarded as cars of the affluent and even ended up in television and movies, most notably the early 80's television series, Hart to Hart.
For consignment, a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible, a garage kept, 24 year owned and well maintained example with two tops and a great exterior color. The car will come with service records.
Exterior
Finished in Signal Red, this bright sports convertible makes a statement standing still. And that statement is, look at me! The euro headlights are a stand out and the grooved front spoiler pulls design cues from the distinctive serrated rocker panel that runs the length of the car. Polished accents ride the brow of the wheel openings and highlight the difference in the openings which help create the sleek profile of this sporty two seater. Whether it's the paint matched accessory hard top, the black canvas soft top, or riding in the open air, the straight shoulder line and raked windshield and square hips set this car apart and only the forthcoming Ford Granada had the gall to compare itself to the SL. Its unique shape is instantly recognizable and its design was virtually unchanged for about twenty years because it was that good, and still looks great today and 15-inch wire wheels enhance the look, and wear tires with an early 2024 date code. Imperfections include bubbling on the rocker panels and rust on the pinch weld and rust through and damage on the underside of a rocker panel, paint runs, and bubbling on several areas of the grooved lower panel, and a line of cracked paint.
Interior
Black and gray MB Tex, a synthetic leather material, covers the door panels in handsome rectangular patterns and textures, clean and simple. The colors are brought over to the bucket seats where gray inserts are framed by smooth black MB tex, topped by robust head restraints, all in very good condition. A textured steering wheel leads to a simple and efficient gauge cluster with clear displays and a row of indicator lights below. The center stack houses an AM/FM/Cassette radio and dual controls for the A/C, while the console is home to the shifter in a polished metal base and where we'd often find wood veneer, there are tasteful textured black plastic panels. The shell of the center console and the storage bin has multiple cracks in the plastic and a center button is missing. Low pile black carpet covers the floor and on the driver's side, shows some age. It continues on the storage shelf in the back where it is in good condition. Gray panels line the trunk and show some usage but are in overall good shape.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a driver quality 4.5 liter SOHC V8 rated at 222 horsepower, fuel injected via a Bosch D-Jetronic system, and put into motion by a 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear axle with 3.07 gears. Power disc brakes occupy front and back.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath as well with areas of surface rust, residual oil, and general usage patina. The dual exhaust enters a stock style muffler just before exiting out the back through twin tips that fit in a contoured rear valance. Both front and rear suspension are independent and consist of coil springs.
Drive-ability
Nothing quite like a vintage Mercedes and this one rolls effortlessly onto our test loop. It has good power and plenty of grunt to get this luxurious little car moving. The brakes work as intended and the only flaws we found were the turn signals not working and the power antenna inoperable. All other functions worked as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
We'll go out on a limb and say these SL's will look good 100 years from now. Benz designers simply got it right with this one and they are still head turners long after production on this body style has ended. Once ubiquitous and the go to car for Hollywood's movers and shakers, they are now rare to see and considered classics. And in red, a real firecracker! Are your ready to light this one up? Give us a call.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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