1976 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Convertible

4.5 litre

Automatic

10704412033370000

Clear

RWD

1976 MB 450SL - Immaculate Panzerwagon! 79,000 Original Miles! 1976 MB 450SL - Immaculate Panzerwagon! 79,000 Original Miles! White / Brown79,000 Miles / VIN: 10704412033370000 Contact Mark Counts at Bavarian Motors at 713-320-3059 Spring, TX 77388 View This Seller's Other Auctions 1976 MB 450SL - Immaculate Panzerwagon! 79,000 Original Miles! White Exterior / Brown Interior VIN: 10704412033370000 2 Doors, Rear Wheel Drive, Convertible, 8 Cylinders, Automatic Inventory ID: 370000 Vehicle Description Over its 18 year life span, the R107 set the standard for personal luxury in the American automobile market and became an instantly recognizable mark of luxury and success. Production of the car began in 1971 with the advent of the SL350. The car’s initial design utilized the underlying chassis of a W113 series car which was mated to a V8 engine offered in an S class sedan. The decision to utilize a V8 was undoubtedly made to satisfy the American market and gave rise to the primary criticism of the R107, i.e., they were developed to exclusively satisfy American tastes. Given the fact that nearly two thirds of all R107’s made it to American shores, this criticism was probably valid. As MB intended, Americans became instantly enraptured with the R107 and began an 18 year love affair that permitted MB to produce 237,287 R107’s. Over one fourth of these cars (66,298) were SL450’s, making the SL450 the best-selling variant of the R107 series. The hallmark of the R107 was safety as it was specifically designed to provide maximum protection to its occupants. In order to achieve this goal the car utilized front and rear crumple zones, a rigid passenger cell, windshields that were bonded to their frames, a “crushable” padded dashboard, knee area crash pads, a steering wheel impact absorber, and a polyurethane padded steering wheel and center hub. In addition to the foregoing, MB relocated the fuel cell and placed it above the rear axle thereby protecting the occupants from the risk of a rear collision induced fire. In order to circumvent fears of a U.S. ban on open top cars, MB equipped the cars with a front windscreen that was engineered to be 50 percent stronger than its W113 predecessor. This windscreen actually bonded the windshield to the frame and ensured that the car would not need a “targa bar” to meet U.S. standards. In addition to the strengthened windscreen, the car came standard equipped with a removable hardtop and a convertible top that was stored sight unseen under a convenient hard cover. Once the hardtop was removed, the soft convertible top could be raised or lowered by a single person in a scant 30 seconds. The car’s interior was fitted as a standard 2 seat roadster (rear seats were an option) with standard air conditioning, AM/FM stereo and leather seats with headrests. The car also came with a zoned air control system that permitted the passengers to direct air flow to their heads or their feet. The 1976 SL450 was powered with a single overhead cam, 4.5 litre V8 engine equipped with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. The K-Jetronic system was a vast improvement over the prior D-Jetronic system and greatly increased the car’s overall reliability and performance. The engine was also treated to a contactless transistorized ignition and hydraulic valve play compensation to ease maintenance. This engine was capable of producing approximately 175 to 222 hp at 5000 rpm. The car needed this power because it was a heavy beast. With a dry weight of approximately 3600, the car earned its nom de guerre “der Panzerwagon.” Over time this nickname came to symbolize the longevity and incredible durability of the R107 but, at the time, it meant that the car was very, very heavy. Despite its great weight, the car had admirable performance statistics and could make the trip from 0 to 60 in roughly 9 seconds. The V8 engine was mated to a three speed automatic transmission which assisted the car in reaching its top speed of 135 miles per hour. The R107’s suspension was based on double wishbones with coil springs and a stabilizing bar in the front and diagonal swing axles with coil springs and a stabilizing bar in the rear. This suspension gave the R107 its legendary mild manners and made it one of the ultimate open aired cruising machines. The 450SL offered here is, in 2 words, timelessly elegant. Its bright ivory paint is matched to a bronze hard top which is perfectly coordinated to both its pinstripes and its chestnut leather interior. The car was originally owned by a wealthy Texas oil man living in Austin who purchased it as a weekend driver. In the late 1980’s or early 1990’s, this owner had the car transported to California for a complete restoration. At that time, the entire car was painted, a new soft top was emplaced and a new interior was installed, including leather seats and new carpets. Further, the interior was upgraded through the addition of a wood accented center console. Importantly the California restoration shop was required to emplace a third brake light which was not original to the car. Additionally, during the restoration the original wheels were replaced with a set of chrome MB wheels from a later era car. The car retains its original steel wheel spare. Each of these additions added to the elegant nature of the car and did not detract from its MB heritage. After its restoration, the car was returned to Austin, Texas where it was used occasionally. Unfortunately, after the car was returned to Austin, the first owner was involved in a minor accident which caused superficial damage to the driver’s side door. This damage was professionally repaired and is not evident to the untrained eye. Other than this minor event, the car has not been involved in any other accident and, to my knowledge, has never been involved in an automobile on automobile collision. In 2003, the original owner made the decision to sell the car to one of his long time employees. This person and his wife were also Austin residents and maintained the car in immaculate condition for the next ten years. During this ten year period, the car was regularly driven as a Sunday driver. Further, during this period, the owner personally performed the following remedial maintenance: Replaced rear shocks; Replaced tires; Replaced sway bars; Replaced tie rod ends; Replaced AC/Dryer Compressor; Replaced front engine seal; Replaced engine mounts; Replaced seals in power steering pump; Replaced fan temperature switch; and Replaced battery. In late 2013, the second owners made the decision to sell the car as they had progressed in years and were no longer able to easily get in and out of the vehicle. After I purchased the car, an 80,000 mile service was performed and the AC system was recharged with R12. Please understand that the AC system in 1970s era R107s was designed to use 40% ambient air and achieve only a 20 degree temperature difference. Thus, if you are in an extremely warm climate you should be prepared to drive without the top on! In examining the exterior, the car’s paint seems to glow with a bright ivory sheen and its bronze top is simply stunning. The car is devoid of rust and does not need any paintwork or repair. The car’s interior is flawless, its carpets are immaculate and its seats are supple, luxurious and comfortably supportive. The sound system works perfectly and the car comes with both an owner’s manual and a parts catalog. Finally, the soft top is like new and is properly stored with a cotton sheet to protect the rear windscreen. All in all, this car is in superb condition, is breathtakingly beautiful, timelessly elegant and represents one of the best values on the open market today. If you are interested in acquiring this exemplary automobile then please contact Mark at 713-320-3059. Additional Photos Equipment & Features Features Comfort Air Conditioning Seat Leather Seats Finance We are a licensed lender in the State of Texas and can assist you in obtaining financing for your automobile purchase. If you need assistance with financing then please contract Mark counts at 713-320-3059. Please ensure that you have obtained financing prior to bidding on one of our cars. Warranty Unless expressly stated otherwise, our cars are sold "As Is" and without warranty. However, some of our cars are eligible for extended warranties. Please discuss the potential purchase of an extended warranty with your sales representative. Shipping Unless stated otherwise in the vehicles listing, shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer. There are many reputable transporters across the country and the Buyer is required to contract directly with one of them. If required, we can locate a shipper for the Buyer but will not assume responsibility for the vehicle once it is consigned to a shipper. Terms and Conditions Terms and Conditions All vehicles we sell have clean and clear titles. We do NOT sell salvage vehicles or vehicles with reconditioned titles. All vehicles are sold "AS IS" and there are no representations or warranties except those contained in the written sales contract or bill of sale. The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to start the transaction. The winning bidder must respond within 2 days after the auction with a $500 deposit required via wire transfer, Visa/MC, or certified funds(cashiers check) to start the transaction. It is understood that the vehicle is sold on an "As Is" basis. Buyer are free to purchase with or without an inspection. We strongly encourage pre-purchase inspections. These inspections are relatively cheap and help ensure that the Buyer is completely satisfied with their purchase. All sales are subject to a state inspection fee of $40.75 and a Vehicle Inventory Tax based at .2271% of the purchase price. Ex. $10,000.00 X .2271% = 22.71. Texas residents must pay applicable sales tax and a registration fee. Out-of-state customers may pay tax and register the vehicle in their own applicable state. Upon request, we may be able to complete the buyers home state registration. The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. We will arrange for shipping, if requested. Also, transportation to and from the airport and our location is buyers responsibility. We make every attempt to deliver our vehicles to our clients with two keys, key fobs, manuals, booklets, NAV CDs, wheel locks, tool kits, etc..., however, from time-to-time, a vehicle may be missing one or more of these items and we cannot guarantee that they will be included in the vehicle at the time of sale. Please call for the exact accessories included for the vehicle. Our vehicles are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold in "As Is" condition. At time, some of our vehicles may still be in factory warranty or an extended warranty may be purchased. Ask for details. For Canadian car buyers: If the title is to be released at the time of delivery (which is much mandatory to move the vehicle through customs), a wire transfer is the fastest way to complete the sale. If the payment is not by bank wire transfer, i.e., certified bank check or approved loan check, the title will only be released when all funds have cleared. Please keep in mind that the funds verification process can take up to 15 days. We will assist you with the documentation needed to clear Canadian customs, but knowing exactly which documents are required by your home province are the buyers responsibility. Requirements for Canada can be found at www.riv.ca under "Registration of import vehicles, Canada". Notice to All Bidders Please remember your eBay obligations. When you bid, you are entering into a legal and binding contract. Do not bid if you do not intend to buy this vehicle! All bidders must have pre-approved loans or other financing. The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to complete the sale and to receive a purchase order via fax. Major Credit Cards are accepted. Please call for limits and details (credit card charges may incur a service fee). Payments are accepted through paypal.com (Deposit only-$1,000 max.). Please call for limits. We do not accept Escrow or E-Loan. Please call for exceptions prior to bidding. Please remember that you have the option to call for the reserve price direct at 713-320-3059. We appreciate your interest in this auction and look forward to seeing your bid. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!