1976 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

4.5-liter Vee Eight

10704412031192

Clear

Elegance Personified: 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Roadster Few cars have as stellar a reputation as Mercedes' Sport Leicht Roadsters. Beginning with the open-topped 300SL built between 1957 and 1963, now commonly selling for over a Million Dollars, to its smaller sibling, the 190SL, mostly in 6-figure territory, to the equally expensive 230SL, 250SL, and 280SL Pagoda models of the 1960s, they all have become collectibles of the highest order. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Successor to the Mercedes Benz Pagoda, the R107 SL, manufactured from 1971 until 1989, has gained cult car status on its own. While values for prime examples are rising sharply, good to very good examples can still be scooped up "on the cheap." Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The first SL Roadster equipped with a V8 engine, the R107 features a truly timeless design and holds the place of honor as the most successful convertible ever built by the Daimler Benz factory. Given that a Quarter Century has passed since the last R107 SL left the Stuttgart factory, it's paramount to find a car that has been driven sparingly and has always been treated with respect. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The 1976 Mercedes 450SL featured here, VIN *10704412031192*, might just be such a car. Built in February of 1976, it presumably has been driven a mere 65,660 miles in 39 years, according to its -- working -- odometer. Let's have a closer look, shall we? Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Inside the clean engine compartment, originality abounds. The four-and-a-half-liter cast iron Vee Eight might be of German descent, but it behaves much like a good ol' American muscle car engine, with its shot flat tappet overhead camshafts. The 450 is a torque monster, loafing happily along at any speed, from its 550rpm idle up to its 6,000rpm redline. Yes, this Roadster is capable of running on the Autobahn at 125mph, all day long. Assembled with utmost precision and fed by a BOSCH L-Jetronic fuel injection, this power plant thankfully lacks the black boxes and myriad sensors of its successors. The 450SL is a simple -- but purebred -- athlete from the days of the dinosaurs, destined to outlive all of the high-tech toys of the new Millennium with their pre-programmed OBD II code nightmares. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) This car's matching numbers engine starts up without hesitation and, once warmed up, falls into a loping idle. It responds well to throttle input, doesn't smoke, and is free of leaks. As one would expect, there are no signs of corrosion or damage on this SL; as a matter of fact, all factory finishes appear to be intact and "as delivered." There's a reason why enthusiasts worldwide are looking to adopt a dry California car, and this is it. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Above photos showing the undercarriage in more detail. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Not only does the SL combine the best elements of a luxurious tourer and an exhilarating sports car, but its versatility is unrivalled, since all R107 models came factory-equipped with 2 tops. The steel hardtop, with its heated rear window, permits year-round driving, even in inclement weather conditions. It can be removed within minutes, transforming the car into a true Roadster. Of course, a folding convertible top is waiting to be raised in the event of a surprise rain shower. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Matching Dark Blue hardtop is super clean. Blue German canvas soft top is in wonderful condition, without any tears or rips. Plastic rear windows are crystal clear. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Dark Blue, factory code 904, is a classic and desirable period color. The finish presents itself in very nice condition, with barely any flaws apparent. There are no rock chips, scrapes, dents or scratches worth mentioning. What's worth mentioning are the genuine German H-4 headlights with asymmetrical reflectors, worth a small fortune. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Moving on to the car's inside, we marvel at the lovely preserved cockpit. Here's where it would get costly, were you attempting to restore a lesser car to a "brand new" appearance. This fine example's interior still looks stunning! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Surrounded by burled walnut veneer, we find a period-correct, expensive Nardi aluminum-and-wood steering wheel. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Comfy bucket seats are trimmed in genuine, tan leather and present themselves in fabulous condition. There are no rips, tears, stains, or other discernible signs of use. The velour carpeting remains in a like-new state of preservation as well. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A very rare option is the German Kindersitz (child seat) with fold-down rear section. It, too, is superbly well preserved. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) All the lights work as they should. Ready for a test drive? So are we, but before take-off, let's take a look at the trunk. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The trunk is fully carpeted and in fabulous condition throughout. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Spare rests in a separate partition below the trunk floor. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Tuesday, August 4, turned out to be another lovely late-summer day in our olde mission town San Buenaventura, and we were excited about exercising the 450SL, with the top down, of course. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Nothing beats chauffeuring a star cruiser, and this car didn't disappoint. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The car starts, runs, drives, shifts, handles, and brakes very nicely, thank you very much. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Returning home, we are very impressed, indeed. The inherent qualities of a Mercedes Benz Roadster are based on a long tradition of hand-built automobiles. You are looking at a car that has barely aged in almost 4 decades. Fit and finish of every part is just about perfect. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) R107 SLs are wonderful automobiles. They are as safe as a bank vault and provide generally trouble-free motoring. The early 450SLs have now rightfully taken the place of their coveted predecessors, the out-of-sight Pagoda 230/250/280 SLs, in terms of affordable collectibility. Now is the time to adopt one of these fabulous convertibles! TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. License plates shown for photographic purposes only. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. 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