1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

Description

At the moment, the R107 Mercedes-Benz SL roadsters are probably the smartest buy in the car hobby. Bulletproof construction, timeless good looks, celebrity status, and very reasonable prices. You probably won't find many nicer than this 1979 450SL, which has low mileage and excellent maintenance that separates the great SLs from the scary SLs.

There's a lot of truth to the adage that a cheap Mercedes-Benz SL is the most expensive car you can buy. The truth is, it's much smarter to pay more up front and get a car that's had an easy life and has been properly maintained. Showing just about 44,000 original miles, this ultra-clean SL certainly meets the criteria for "well maintained." That's original Ivory paint on the sleek bodywork and over its lifetime, it looks like it's only seen rain a handful of times. Fit and finish are typical Mercedes-Benz (that is, excellent), and it does not appear to have ever been badly injured. Euro-spec headlights give it a sleek look and actually work better than the US versions, and with the passage of time even the heavy Federalized rubber bumpers look right on these cars.

You're in luck with this SL because it carries the relatively rare leather interior instead of the usual MBTex vinyl. The hides are in excellent shape and while the real stuff doesn't wear as well as the MBTex, this upholstery still looks fantastic. Original plush carpets, nice door panels showing only a minimum of wrinkling, and an unmarked dash pad all give this car the appearance of a vehicle that has been loved all its life. The only non-stock component is the Alpine AM/FM/CD stereo installed about 15 years ago, but that's a very welcome upgrade. There's a dark brown convertible top that adds some contrast, as well as a removable hardtop that comes complete with the original stand. You'll probably be like most SL owners and just stash it in your garage, but it's always nice to have. Of note, this car also includes its original tool kit and first aid kit, as well as a full-sized spare tire stashed in the trunk.

The 450 part of 450SL refers to the 4.5 liter SOHC V8 living under the hood. Arguably one of the best machines to ever come out of the Mercedes-Benz factories, it offers an iron block for awesome durability and careful assembly that ensures long life. As I said, you can buy this one with confidence and unlike those low-price SLs that "just need a little TLC," it won't cost you thousands in replacement parts just to get it on the road. The hardware will run virtually forever if you take care of it, and with the low mileage, this one is barely broken-in. The engine bay is ultra-tidy and clean, the aluminum castings don't show the usual corrosion, and it starts and runs like a Mercedes should. The 3-speed automatic transmission and power steering feel syrupy at low speeds, but when you're hustling, you'll discover that it's exactly right. The suspension is supple, the brakes are powerful, and with recent 205/70/14 Michelin radials on later Mercedes alloys, it has the right look.

These cars probably won't make you rich overnight, but there's no more affordable way to LOOK like you became rich overnight. And along the way, you'll discover that it's a pretty darned nice car that's a lot of fun to drive, too. Call today!