1978 MERCEDES-BENZ (R107) 450 SL

KEY FACTS

• A highly original example of an elegant open-top icon, which was the flagship model of the late 1970s.
• 225hp 4.5-litre V8, driving the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission.
• Finished in a rare factory colour scheme, and retaining the original hard top roof.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This car left the factory in stunning Cypress Green Metallic, complemented by a full tan interior, and with Zebrano wood trim.
• Factory features and equipment include electric windows, a wind deflector, and a full-size spare wheel. It is also fitted with a Becker Monza radio cassette deck.
• A non-original steering wheel is currently fitted, but the factory steering wheel comes with the car.
• Accompanying the car is the original service book, separate Shell oil change record, a logbook documenting the mileage, and numerous old invoices. The indicated mileage of 103,303 km is believed to be entirely correct.
• First registered in June 1978, this German-delivery 450 SL joined the collection three years ago.

CONDITION

• There is no known bodywork damage. The vendor notes only some superficial rust in the engine compartment.
• Its paintwork is believed to be wholly original, and as such there is some normal ‘wear and tear’ around the body panels. Some stone chips are noted at the front, and superficial scratches in places, but overall the finish is still of very good quality.
• As with the exterior, the cabin appears to be original - with the exception of the steering wheel that can be easily swapped back with the original item included. The seat upholstery is in great shape, with only slight patina but no heavy wear or damage. There are two small drill holes in the dashboard where an item has previously been affixed.
• The vendor is not aware of any electrical or mechanical faults.
• In October 2018, the car underwent a significant inspection in order to gain eligibility for German historic plates.

SUMMARY

This Mercedes-Benz 450 SL is a very smart roadster, which is remarkably original with its rare factory colour scheme and retaining the matching hard top. The R107 is one of the classiest models to emerge from the Sindelfingen factory, and this particular car benefits from the flagship 4.5-litre V8 engine and superb documentation. It blends style, power and refinement in a way that few other cars can, and it is ready to delight its next owner on the road.

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