1975 Mercedes Benz 450SL Convertible
"The Mercedes-Benz SL name has always signified a certain level of automotive style and sophistication, and each new generation seems both to define and be defined by its era. Such was the case when the R107 model SL came on the scene in 1971 as a replacement for the popular 230/250/280SL W113 series. The family of models existed with minimal changes until 1989, a remarkable production run for a luxury convertible." Thx Hagerty.com
For consignment, a 1975 Mercedes Benz 450SL with a title verified 15,559 actual miles, a three owner car with a repaint and mechanical refurbishment to support Mercedes' goals expressed in the 1975 brochure, "driving today requires a controlled, smooth driving style and courtesy. Mercedes-Benz builds cars for drivers who realise, (sic), this".
Exterior
Two stage English Red presents as a color fit for a personal luxury car, not overly bright and not particularly dark, but ultimately pleasing to the eyes, made more so by the color matched covers on the 14-inch wheels. The three box design, wide and low to the ground, hit a nerve with the public, lasting more than 20 years, and featured a longer nose but a rear section with large overhang to balance things out. And on the Americanized versions, extended bumpers significantly increase the length of the car and include rubber bumperettes. The dual headlight design that bookends the classic grille is unmistakably Mercedes and the large three point star would shrink and grow over the years, but its prominence is characteristic here. This car is equipped with a black canvas top with a three pane plastic window and it's in great shape, as is the paint and metalwork on the car and we could find no external imperfections.
Interior
Parchment leather makes its first appearance on the door panels where perforated inserts mix with smooth stretches to present a clean and efficient door with only some slight wrinkling on the driver side. The seat mimics the materials and shows quite a bit of patina, particularly on the driver's side. But these seats are notoriously comfortable, robust and supportive at the same time. Behind the seats is a generous and carpeted package shelf framed in parchment leather padding, also showing a bit of wear. And then we turn to the steering wheel and dashboard which are both understated and orderly and presented with some apparent quality. Three main gauges are underscored by a row of labeled idiot lights while the center stack holds a Blaupunkt AM/FM/Cassette radio and a simple A/C panel. Grained plastic surrounds the shifter in the center console and for your convenience, a cassette organizer lives where an armrest would normally reside. The twist pile parchment colored carpet below is in good shape and protected with brown Berber mats while the trunk has a fitted rubber mat and battery box.
Drivetrain
A driver quality and rather compact 4.5 liter SOHC V8 lives under the hood, fuel injected via a Bosch D-Jetronic system, and rated at a healthy 222 horsepower. A large brake booster in the bay supports the presence of power discs on all four wheels and once you let off the brakes, it's a Daimler-Benz 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear axle with 3.07 gears that allow you to "devote your whole attention to the traffic" as the 1975 says about the automatic.
Undercarriage
Driver quality down here as well with surface rust and some road dirt and an overall sheen that appears to be an undercoating. Like the rest of the car, the chassis is built with quality, heavy metal, and robust components. The dual exhaust meets a stock style muffler in back that lets out twin tailpipe tips through a space provided in the valance. Both front and back wheels ride on independent suspension. The knuckles are clear, there's no invasive rust, and the bottom of the doors are good.
Drive-Ability
If you ever question the appeal of the SL, all you really have to do is sit in one and drive it. This car delivers the typical well balanced and powerful ride experience we've come to expect and does so without a hiccup. The SL's are sure footed and handle well, blending all the best of a grand tourer and sports car that can also serve as a mighty fine grocery getter. All functions on this well maintained car work 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.
The brochure tells us, "the semi trailing arms, wheels suspension and anti roll bars are arranged to prevent the rear end from dipping when accelerating". See, it's the little things like this that make these cars so special. That's probably a relatively common feature today, but in 1975, not many were doing it and here in the states at least, leaf springs were still in frequent use. Fifty years later, this car will still turn heads, still elicit envy, and is gratifying to look at even when resting in the garage. Make room, then give us a call!
10704412023061
107-SL
044-4.5Liter V8
12-Automatic Transmission
023061-Sequential Unit Number
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. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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