1973 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Convertible

4.5 liter V-8

4-speed Automatic

10704412012209

Clear

Gasoline

This 1973 Mercedes 450SL is nearly all original, the body is rust free and the chrome near perfect. It runs extremely well with all the V-8 power and handling that the car must have had in it's heyday. If you're looking for the '73, then you already know this is the last year of the aesthetically pleasing European bumper before the '74's got the US-market required 5 mph bumper. The original wire wheels wear recent vintage Hankook tires that handle the weight and power of the car well. The bucket seats are also original tan leather and show the wear of a 45 year old car, but with only a couple a tears, none on the seat or back. The rest of the interior is in good shape with only minor cracking on the edge of the top of the dash. The hardtop is in terrific shape. The convertible top is also in good shape with a couple of tears and the plastic rear window has some rust stains. The original radio has been lost to history, replaced with a Blaupunkt AM/FM/Cassette radio from the 80's or perhaps 90's that works, although the display does not. The car came with a very extensive repair and service record, however, I can only vouch for what I have, the odometer died at 170,999 miles, I have no idea how many have been added since then. The last service record that recorded the odometer was October 1997 when there were 179,000 miles. I drove it 230 miles from the auction site in Minnesota to my home in Wisconsin and a handful of miles since then. The gas tank gauge also doesn't work, but I am looking into repairing that. The person who sold it at auction, is the same person who bought it from what appears to be the original owner in 1986 in California, the car was kept there and in Nevada until sometime in the 2010's when it was moved to South Dakota until the auction in Minnesota. I believe this car has serious potential for someone who wants to take it to that excellent or concours level, I just don't have the knowledge to know how to get there. But even if you just wanted a classic convertible with Mercedes style, this is the car for you.