1978 Mercedes-Benz: SL-Class 450SL

1978 Anthracite Gray 450SL for sale. Everywhere I drive this car, I get compliments. It looks very good and runs well. However, it is not without flaws so I’ll try to describe the car as honestly as possible.

I inherited this car from my father-in-law in 2004. He was a collector and I believe he traded for the car in the late 1980s. He kept it at a vacation house and mostly drove it back and forth to play golf. Since I’ve owned it, I take it out mostly to just drive for an hour or so at time. Some local roads and some highways. Unfortunately, I never have enough time to drive it. The odometer stopped several years ago (@ 89,144) but I have not driven more than 200-300 miles a year since then – all Sunday driving-type miles. The car has always been garage kept (if not perfectly climate controlled). It shifts smoothly and drives beautifully at highway speeds.

The car starts very easily every time. Even when I’ve let it sit for a few weeks. It does leak a bit while parked but nothing too significant.

The soft top is in poor condition but can be used in a pinch. I keep in in my garage with the top down and only take it out in fair weather. I also have a hard top but the color does not match and the fit is not right – it has caused some scratches on the car body.

Overall, the paint is very nice. There are small imperfections around the car but nothing major on any body panels. The chrome shines nicely. The rubber on the rear bumper has split and there is some rust in that area. There is also rust underneath but I really can’t say how much. You can see some under the wheel wells.

I have repair records since I’ve owned the car but nothing prior. I just had the car checked over - belts, brakes, etc. and had the oil changed. I also replaced the spark plug wires. In the photos, you can see how the insulation had deteriorated on the old ones.

Known issues (some of which have been mentioned above):

Minor cracks on top of dashboard

Missing visors

Missing ash tray

Hood release handle broken (replacement part included)

Antenna does not go up

Radio not functioning correctly (turns on but does not get stations)

Soft top in poor condition

Top pin does not release easily

Passenger door hinge pin not correct - door opens fine but it makes a sound.

Leaks some oil

Minor imperfections around car

Low reserve. All proceeds will be distributed to my father-in-law's grandkids.

Contact me to arrange to view/drive the car.

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