'76 Mercedes 450SL - weekend cruiser since new - low miles survivor

1976 Mercedes Benz 450SL
Limited, ampered use, ow miles & very original
Lineage --Not all cars are afforded the same lot in life. The vast majority are daily drivers after all. It's really nice when one is allowed to function primarily as a fair weather weekend cruiser. Such is the case here. Purchased new for the wife of a local jewelry store owner, t was treated like the gem that it is. The original owner sold it in 2001 having only put 108k miles on it in 25 years of ownership. The second owner rarely used it (3k in 14 years) and handled is like a baby. It stands before you as a very well maintained and preserved original example. Call if you have any questions -(816) 786-7534.
I wanted to capture the vehicle with enough detail to give you a very thorough and accurate impression of the car. Please follow this link to take a tour of all pics --http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/rootedowne/library/1976%20Mercedes%20Benz%20450SL

Exterior --This car wears the classic anthracite gray (code 172) on a black interior. Timeless classic color combination to be sure. Panel fit is excellent. Doors close with the authority for which MB cars of this era are known -- like a vault.
Close inspection will reveal signs of use - minor scratches and a small ding or two. I can't find any signs of touch-up let alone respray. The car was wearing chrome wheel arch trim. I'm not a big fan so, removed them. I also feel it is better to know what lurks below. Fortunately, he only blemish was on the driver rear wheel arch (hard to capture but see pics). You could drive as is or take it to a different level with a repaint. A good candidate for either use.
The soft top is in like new condition. Doubt it has seen any use, ver. The canvas on these tops is a very nice and the stitching of the kind of quality you would expect from a Mercedes of this era. Interior lining and webbing all in excellent shape.
The hardtop is also in excellent shape. There is a small ding in the base trim (see 2nd pic). I've always admired the trim pieces on top. Kind of a tribute to the pagoda tops of the W113 with the new stance and function of the W107. Once installed, t really converts this car to a solid, ll seasons coupe. Headliner and rear glass are also excellent.
Stowage area for top is in the kind of well preserved original shape as the rest of the car. Beginning with the neatly preserve chrome hatch and trim pieces and moving into the pride of engineering mechanical bits. One felt strip is missing and another could be re-adhered, ut overall it demonstrates limited usage and pride of ownership.
Interior --The black interior on this vehicle is an excellent fit for the exterior color -- timeless as a gray flannel suit and black belt. The minimal wear on the interior is just how you would want it -- like a pair of leather gloves.
The rear seat area includes cushions to outfit it as a legitimate rear seat. Sign of the times, ight? The wiring buckle for the rear window defroster is another nice MB touch. Foot-wells are in excellent original shape.
Bumpers and lenses are in great shape. Bumper chrome and around fog light lenses all in great shape.
I've always liked the "Bundt" wheels. They are a great combination of rugged usability and sharp design detail. The set on this car show signs of use, ut are in overall very good shape. Drive without fretting.
The trunk is clean and very original. Battery box and jack with lug wrench all in place and consistent with the rest of the car. Spare does not seem to have ever seen the light of day, et alone road use.
Engine bay is also well preserved. Other than maintenance is has not really been touched. The lid lining is drying out a bit. It is fragile. Original decals and vehicle ID plates are all in place.
This car pulls with authority. I can see why the larger output engine has it's following. Not a stoplight to stoplight burner, ut instead a long legged touring car. The build quality on these cars is truly admirable. It was an stand out in it's day and still remains an excellent and very easy to use classic.
Questions, idding, hipping, tc.
Bidding -- The reserve will be kept in confidence out of respect for the auction process. Simply bid the amount you feel comfortable investing in a classic preserved and presented at this level. Or click "Buy it Now" and own it!
These cars enjoy an adoring following. I've had strong interest from Saudi Arabia and Israel and now Germany. Trulyusableclassics in well preserved original condition have strong market appeal, s well they should.
There are likely to be quite a few people involved in the auction process. Please treat the bidding process as the serious intent to purchase that it is. Everyone benefits with this level of mutual respect. Thanks in advance.
If you have any questions please call or text. (816) 786-7534.
Transportation -- transport of the vehicle is the buyer's choice and responsibility. If you are overseas, et me know and I will track down contact information for reputable companies who ship abroad. I will make it easy on this end regardless the arrangements.
Questions -- my intent was to be very thorough in my description and through the use of photos. If you have any questions, o not hesitate to contact me.
Many thanks for your interest and good luck. Can't wait to see what the future has in store for this very capable roadster!