1972 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

450-SL Roadster Convertible

4.5Lv8

Automatic

10704412005447

Clear

Gasoline

“Classic cars have been among the best performing collectibles over the past five years.”- Reid Branston, Exotic Classics This vehicle is, in every respect, a first of its kind. With a body dubbed by company engineers as the "107," the styling was the beginning of a new and "modern" look for Mercedes, and it would be seen in all company designs introduced well into the 1980s. (The classic Mercedes SL spanned 18 model years without one body panel change.) The new SL emphasized horizontal lines, wider stances and lower overall height accentuated with aerodynamically smoothed contours. As it had since the first gullwing 300SL racers of 1952, the "SL" badge designated both Sport and Leicht (Light). For the first model year only, 1972 models were badged as 350SLs in the United States, even though they were equipped with the larger 4.5-liter, V8 designed specifically for the U.S. (The designation was changed to "450SL" beginning with 1973 models.) Though all U.S. 107s had a 3-speed automatic transmission, only 1972 -73 models were equipped with the smaller bumpers. (Ref.) (Photo: MercedesHeritage.com) According to Roy Spencer of MercedesHeritage.com, this model is "the next collectible SL." Until January 20, 2008, I had never seen one. Remember, the 1972 US 350SL actually carried a 4.5 liter engine and was never offered with a manual gearbox here. How many [1972s] can be in the United States? Perhaps 100. How many 4 speeds? Maybe 50. Reid Branston, Exotic Classics, Syosset, Long Island, New York Just ask Reid Branston, son of NY-based Exotic Classics' owner Will Branston, who said on CNBC's "Secret Lives of the Super Rich" (Episode 406) that, "Classic cars have been among the best performing collectibles over the past five years." With investment potential ranging anywhere from 200% to 400%, the classic cars sector easily glides past its competition on Wall Street, all the way to the finish line. While the earliest versions of SL bodies were made of aluminum, all the 1972 through 1989 models were made of sheet metal and were comprised of a unibody construction. They were all a two-seater, soft-top convertible, with removable hardtop and optional rear foldable, "jump" seats. (Ref.) It comes as no surprise, unfortunately, that like every hero ever written into classic literature, the 1972 350SL had its tragic flaw: poor rust resistance, a quality shared by all of the first 107s in both the United States and Europe. This vehicle has power. I purchased her "very used" in 1996. (The condition is actually a bit less than "good," but much better than "fair.") She's had at least three prior owners, the last two of which invested no small fortune replacing and repairing much of the rust damage to the floors of both the internal cabin and a portion of the trunk. (The vehicle was garage-stored for at least the last 26 years,) In 1999, she was stripped to bare metal, primed and painted with 6 coats. The same year, new aluminum hubs were installed, and the rag top was replaced. Having been stored in my garage for most of the past five years, the vehicle required new anti-freeze, a new battery, water pump, fuel injector relay and state vehicle inspection (now current through August 2016), which is monitored by the Virginia State Police. (Therefore, this vehicle is safe to drive and all required mechanical and electrical systems are functioning properly.) There are a few paint blisters at the very front of the hood above driver's-side headlamps (visible in main image) and in the rear, just inside where the hardtop rests (see photo on external images page, linked below); undoubtedly from having been stored for so many years in a humid environment with the hardtop on. During a previous auction, one member inquired about functionality of the air conditioning system. Though our mechanic verified the compressor system to be in good working condition when purchased, the fan motor was never replaced, since I only drove her without a top and have never needed to use it. Pricing on this vehicle is based on the very limited availability of these first-year 450-SLs, its present condition, unique class position and the possibility some enthusiasts may be interested in purchasing it either for restoration or parts. Price has been set at the lowest our mechanic feels she should be sold for. Images show vehicle exactly "as is," because no attempt was made to alter or improve the appearance for this sale. (For additional and/or updated images, please click here.) [NB: Factory maintenance/owner's manuals for this vehicle are currently available for purchase on ebay.] Additional References http://www.americorps.ch/1972MB450SL.php (Complete series of vehicle images.) http://www.mercedesheritage.com/2009/07/looking-for-the-next-collectible-sl/ http://www.classiccarstodayonline.com/2012/08/22/the-classic-1972-1989-mercedes-sl-spanned-18-model-years-without-one-body-panel-change/ https://www.hagerty.com/price-guide/1972-Mercedes~Benz-350SL http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/sl-class/history.html http://blog.classiccars.com/mercedes-benz-350sl/ http://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/secret-lives-of-the-super-rich/full-episode/a-royal-mega-home-60000-dogs/428280899961 (Originally aired on 04-14-2015.) http://www.exoticclassics.com/ * One of this vehicle's long-time mechanics thinks the odometer may have "turned over," (but only once). ------------------------ DMCA Disclaimer: Additional images used in this listing properly credit their respective copyright owners, which were notified via email in advance of the published listing's URLs. On Nov-22-15 at 06:50:50 PST, seller added the following information: Seller was unable to post the following email exchange: MEMBER'S FIRST QUESTION (POSTED): Hi I want ask some questions :is it posible shiping to slovakai or germany or Nederland and how much is it? and i need more detiled pictures from body ,interior, engine . Best regards Ondrej Slezák - ondreslez-0 SELLER'S FIRST REPLY (POSTED): Dear ondreslez-0, Shipping is possible, of course, but I do not know the first thing about how to go about it. (You would have to make all arrangements after the end of the auction, but I am willing -within reason- to comply with whatever is necessary. Suggest you contact a local automobile dealer or importer to inquire.) Regarding additional images... As noted in the description, additional images are available for viewing online: http://www.americorps.ch/1972MB450SL.php Hope this helps. Best regards, Dr. Matt Hogendobler - hogident SELLER'S SECOND REPLY: Ondrej..... The auction ends in less than 24 hours, but if the images I've posted between the two web pages don't suffice, please let me know as soon as possible and, if I have time, I'll try to send more. So you know... it's raining outside right now... even more of a reason I can't promise anything, especially at this late hour and date, but I'm willing to try if the weather clears and, again, if I can find the time. hogident MEMBER'S THIRD QUESTION: i need to know how much is it when you ship me the car to hamburg? thanks Ondrej SELLER'S REPLY: Ondrej... I found the three, below-listed shipping websites using the following search: http://bfy.tw/2uqi http://autooceanexpress.com/?gclid=CIK-4NidpMkCFQoSfgodbTsJLQ http://www.schumachercargo.com/quote/germany-car-shipping.php?gclid=CLT3-5CdpMkCFRRgfgodzwwEOQ http://www.shipoverseas.com/us/ship-car/europe/shipping-car-to-germany.html?gclid=CKbG35qdpMkCFdKGfgodbfQM1Q You will probably need to do the search yourself from within your own country, Slovakia, since the information provided you will be different for you. (Go to your usual search program and enter the following in the search box: shipping vehicle from virginia beach va 23454 to hamburg germany) You should also watch this: https://www.shipoverseas.com/us/international-shipping-rates-completed.html I have submitted the correct information to all three of the above in order to receive a quote, and I will forward to you what I receive in the form of quotes, but (1) each of the shippers state it could take up to 24 hours to receive the estimate and, (2) you -not me- will have to initiate the actual shipping request yourself if you win the auction. I would advise you to look at each site and make your own decisions. Each of the shippers has a toll-free telephone number you can call, but it will be different in your country; therefore, you should search in Slovakia for vehicle shipping from VA-USA-23454 to Hamburg (Door-to-Port). Additional information about vehicle may be found here: http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/mercedes_350SL_technical_specifications.htm Converting mm to in: L (length) 4380 mm (173") x W (width) 1790 mm (71") x H (height) 1300 mm (52") or 173" x 71" x 52". Additional shipping company websites: https://www.shipyourcarnow.com/international-quote.php http://www.exship.com/cars.aspx?gclid=CPbJy8GgpMkCFc5hfgodCr4FZA https://www.cfrrinkens.com/services/worldwide-vehicle-shipping/?gclid=CPTmvsugpMkCFc5hfgodCr4FZA Hope these help. hogident EMAIL RECEIVED FROM SHIPPER: From: "Ship Overseas" To: hogident Date: 11/22/2015 02:10:23 GMTSubject: Ship Overseas Quote Ref # SO49826 Hello, Thank you for your quote request. We will be in touch with you shortly. Thanks, Ship Overseas