1979 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

450SL Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

10704412050683

Clear

Gasoline

I have for sale my 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL in Maple Yellow with Palomino interior. I have owned and enjoyed driving this car since 2006 and have hoped to restore it. However, plans have changed, and it's time to sell "Daisy". I have been a member of the Mercedes Benz Club of America (MBCA) for a number of years, and there are several things that I had planned to have rebuilt: 1. The winning bidder will receive parts for an extensive front-end rebuild; including Front Sub-Frame Mounts, Upper and Lower Control Arm Bushings, Torsion Bar Bushings, Upper and Lower Ball Joints, Steering Damper. Also included will be a set of new drilled/slotted front brake discs and pads. The car presently won't hold an alignment very well, and a 30-year-old front end with hardened original bushings is the reason. I drive the car locally. 2. I replaced the original Climate Control Servo with a re-engineered unit from George Murphy in Tennessee. George is a respected MBCA tech who has a small business where he rebuilds servos with cast aluminum reservoirs which won't leak like the original plastic ones are known to do. However, there remains a pesky vacuum-system leak I haven't been able to isolate, which prevents the servo from "parking" upon engine shutoff. This tends to drain the battery over the course of a week, so I keep a trickle charger connected if I'm not driving for several days. 3. The vacuum-system leak also prevents the passenger door and trunk locks from working correctly from the vacuum reservoir. I use the key to be sure. The engine starts and runs very well; the engine and drivetrain are strong with no leaks. I have replaced all rubber weatherstripping including soft-top seals, hard-top seals, door seals and trunk seals. I performed a full R134 A/C conversion last summer, and that system remains tight. I installed a new alternator this summer and last flushed the cooling system in July 2009, replacing the upper and lower radiator hoses and filling with Zerex coolant (recommended by the MBCA 107 Forum online). I had installed a new brown German canvas top in 2007. I had no-one to assist me in removing the hardtop for the photos, so a picture with the soft-top up and in place isn't available. I have taken careful care of the top, using RaggTop sealant to offer protection. I also have, and will provide the winning bidder with, a new leather interior which I purchased online in late 2007. This consists of new horsehair pads, seat cushion and seat back covers, headrest covers, and an armrest cover. The original interior is MB-TEX and in good condition with no damage. I have also installed an upgraded Alpine stereo system, as shown in some of the accompanying photos. I live in Durham, North Carolina. I would highly recommend that the winning bidder have Daisy transported, if more than 50-75 miles from here. I have a reasonable reserve on this great car, consummate with the labour required for the front-end work. I wish you good luck in the auction, and hope that Daisy will be a great car for you.