1979 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

SL Roadster 2 Dr. Hard/ Soft tops

450

Automatic

10704412050560

Clear

Gasoline

This 1979 450SL Mercedes Benz was owned and purchased from a Mercedes mechanic in Palm Springs, California in 2008 until June of 2011 when I was transferred from the United States to Europe. In 2011 it was stored in a friend’s garage until March of 2014 when it was shipped to Ft. Myers, Florida where I was to work next. As I was only in Ft. Myers for three month, I had it stored at a storage facility in near by LaBelle, Florida where it remains today. I am now extending my stay in Europe and do not want to keep the car in storage. The car was a lifelong Los Angeles/ Palm Springs, California car and maintained well. The body is in very good condition with only a minimal scrape (maybe from a curb) into the chrome stripping below the driver door. The chrome strip can easily be replaced as it did not damage the surrounding body area. It has the original paint but as I took it to get buffed, the shop used a cleaner that removed the clear coating and exposed the paint of which will need either repainting or buffed and a clear coating reapplied. In addition, the shop removed a leather sample one inch square on the driver seat. I placed sheep skin covers on the seats although they are in OK condition for its age. I have not been back to Florida and had two car covers covering the car… I was told by the storage facility that the covers have become excessively weathered due to the Florida sun. It is this reason that I am selling the 450 SL roadster, i.e., I do not want the car subjected to this treatment. In checking with my insurance company for accuracy… the car has 111,000 miles. It runs OK as I drove it (after it arriving in Florida from Palm Springs) from Ft. Myers to LaBelle, Florida when placing it into storage. A new exhaust was installed (a single system because of California emissions requirement) from manifold to outer exhaust tail pipe; the A/C Climate System was upgraded for the desert and I had new tires applied. The car oil was changed and inspected at the Palm Springs Mercedes mechanic’s before being shipped to Florida; he said the car was mechanically good except for running roughly because of sitting for two years. It needs running. As noted, I drove it 40 miles after arriving in Florida and it drove OK. I disconnected the battery and kept some household items in the trunk and passenger seat waiting for my return. It will be two years in March 2016 that I have not been back and car stored in Florida. It was a wonderful car for me and I am confident that it will make its new owner a most enjoyable car with tender loving care. The Mercedes-Benz 450 SL was produced from 1973 through 1980. During its production lifespan, 66,298 450SL’s were made. The 350 and 450 SL were built as replacements for the 230, 250, and 280 SL model range. Under the hood is a cast iron (last year) eight-cylinder, OHC engine capable of carrying the car to a top speed of over 120 mph and sprint from zero-to-sixty in just over ten seconds. The 450 SL had the larger 4520 cc eight-cylinder engine which made great powerful road car with solid-sporty handling. Mercedes was the standard for Luxury cars back then just as it is today. Standard equipment included a convertible soft-top, (would need replacing), and all luxury items. Fitted in MB Tex the interior is clean and very comfortable, includes A/C (although Mercedes was not known for its A/C units), Radio, Air, and power windows. The vehicle is powered by its original 4.5L with Auto transmission performance figures rate the car at 180hp, 0-60 in 10sec and a top speed of 120mph 'SL' represented 'Sport Light' or Sport Leicht. It first appeared in 1954 on the 300SL Gullwing. These early Mercedes SL 's are exciting, classic, and sporty road cars. One of the last true roadsters. I am selling the car “AS IS”. Please note the pictures and inquire if you have any concerns or questions before placing your bid. This is a sterling classic; with the right price… made for that special owner of distinction!