1976 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

450 SL Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

10704412034490

Gasoline

1976 Mercedes Benz 450 SL Roadster NBC/Discovery Television Car VIN: 10704412034490 Here’s another very sharp Mercedes convertible we’ve acquired recently and, now that filming is done, is ready for bidding by our great Ebay customers. For a number of years we’ve supplied vehicles to television and movie production companies filming here in the Seattle area. Last month this car was the primary “prop” for location shooting on an NBC /Discovery channel episode of Investigation Discovery: Missing Persons. When it airs later this spring you’ll see the Mercedes being driven extensively by the actors and in many static shots; it’s a central “character” in the plot (I’ve included several photos from the set showing the cameraman setting up a dolly shot and also filming “the bad guy” driving the car). Prior to its screen career this car was owned by only one family from new and represents the zenith of the 107-body cars that Mercedes Benz began producing in the early 1970’s. Their quality and detail combined with the rugged, powerful durability of the higher horsepower 4.5-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine make them among the best and most iconic models ever to come from the Fatherland. Most astute Benz admirers know the 450 version of the SL is generally the most sought after model, with a much more dependable engine than the later 380SL. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions or to work out a deal before the auction ends. My name is Mark Thompson and my phone number is 206/914-1173. You’re welcome and encouraged to make an appointment to inspect and test-drive this very nice car. NOTE: There is no online Vehicle History Report available for this Mercedes. Both AUTOCHECK & CARFAX are only able to access information for vehicles produced from model year 1981 and newer. This is because VIN numbers were not standardized throughout the industry until that year. We have a free & Clear, unbranded title but do not know if the odometer reading is accurate. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: Ever spent an afternoon driving a classy, vintage Mercedes Benz? What a treat! Smooth is the word for sure. Smooth powerful acceleration. Smooth handling in the curves or on the highway. Comfort, styling, and versatility all in one gorgeous ride. For my money, an SL of any variant is one of the best values for the overall driving experience that a vintage Benz has to offer. Look over my photos and I’m sure you’ll agree. What you’re viewing is the result of a wash and vacuum only! I know you’ll admire its overall provenance. Hop in; fire up the strong V-8 and it starts immediately – even when cold! The automatic transmission shifts between gears as it should with no slippage or other problems. Having owned many dozens of Daimler vehicles over three decades, I’ve developed a great appreciation for the Mercedes style, mechanical reliability and overall driving experience. Honestly, this Benz has more raw power and it definitely accelerates faster than my ’99 E-Class daily driver. CONDITION: In total, this is a clean, smoke-free Mercedes. I take great pride in the vehicles we sell and feel that you should know as much about them as possible. Accordingly, here is a list of the good and also things needing attention: The car idles, runs and drives as I feel it should – immediate, strong oil pressure, strong battery and charging system, no noticeable brake pull or alignment issues! The antique white paint is in good overall condition and still holds quite a shine well with only a rock chip or two. Rust? Please, this Mercedes HATES rust and I don’t believe you’ll find anything here to worry greatly about! The Puget Sound area is famous for rain, but our winter roads are never salted. At the sign of the first snowflake everyone panics and just stays home! Climb over, under and all around it, I know you’ll come up smiling! I did find one area in the right rear trunk well where it appears water pooled over time and corroded a hole in the metal. I’d just leave it as-is. On the interior both door panels and the removable hardtop are in excellent shape. The color-matched carpet floor mats are decent, but edge binding has worked loose. You’ll be impressed by the fold-down black Haartz fabric soft top. It’s probably the nicest one I’ve run across on a vintage SL; as if it’s never seen the light of day in all these years. The three plastic rear window panels are perfect - no clouding or fold cracks as you’ll often find. The owner installed a high-end aftermarket stereo with a flip-out-and-up TV screen, but I haven’t figured a way to make it work. Press a button and the 8-inch screen slides out, but that’s as far as its goes. The windshield and all the window glass is crack & pit free. About the only real flaws I can think to point out are: the A/C blows warm and the power antennae just stays put. Both bucket seats support your bum well, but the (real) red leather on both is worn & brittle from age. No worries, though; the nicely matched sheepskins are very comfortable! All four factory alloys are wrapped with touring radials estimated to have at least 80+% remaining tread as pictured. Please Note: We will NEVER, EVER “shill” or falsely "bump-up" an auction (a violation of eBay rules and also Federal Law). Because of the amount of money involved in buying a vehicle, we require that new Ebay members with a feedback history of five or fewer transactions call or email before placing a bid. If I don’t have this initial contact, your bid may be cancelled. The phone number to talk directly to me, as outlined above, is 206/914-1173. Please feel free to call any time during the auction. My name is MARK THOMPSON. A Few Additional Terms and Conditions: Please check the photos over closely and call with any questions BEFORE you place a bid! You’re encouraged to inspect the vehicle at our premises on weekdays, so send your representative early to be sure you don't miss this one. We reserve the right to cancel your bid if you have any negative feedback. DEALERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO BID AS WELL! Additionally I reserve the right to end the auction early if the Mercedes is no longer for sale or an acceptable offer has been agreed to. A nonrefundable $500 deposit is due within 48 hours of the auction’s end. Because of the high fees they charge, we accept PAYPAL for the deposit only. The balance is due by cash or certified funds within seven days unless prior arrangements have been made with us. Please remember you are bidding to buy and I fully expect the winning bidder to fulfill their Ebay contract! You’re not bidding to hold, inspect or then come test-drive the vehicle later (all are more than welcome to do this before the auction ends). When it comes to shipping the car home there are numerous vehicle transport companies to choose from. We send vehicles regularly and I have several companies I’ve dealt with for years and am very comfortable dealing with that will safely deliver your purchase. Alternatively, you may also want several transport bids from the www.U-ship.com website. Transporters will bid delivery of the vehicle and you'll be able to choose who you want to use. The zip code for pick-up would be 98032 (Kent, WA) to get a series of on-line quotes. As always, the shipping of the vehicle and company chosen are the responsibility of the BUYER and I’ll be happy to coordinate things with whoever is chosen. The Buyer will be responsible for all licensing requirements in their state of residence. If you live here in Washington State we’ll need to collect the 9.5% sales tax, title preparation and transfer fees. Out-of-state buyers will just pay any applicable fees where they live – we WON’T collect any sales tax from you. Because the Mercedes is advertised and for sale locally, we reserve the right to cancel this auction early if it’s no longer available for sale online. The State of Washington shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all disputes. Venue shall be exclusively in King County. The final contract signed between both buyer and seller shall be binding. The final signed contract and terms thereof shall govern the sale. All disputes arising out of or relating to this auction, any negotiations, the signed agreement, or to the breach, enforcement or interpretation thereof, shall be resolved by binding arbitration in Washington, in accordance with the terms contained in the final sale agreement and under the laws of the State of Washington. Whew! Don’t you just love legalese?