1973 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Convertible

8 CYLINDER

Automatic

107044-12-010997

Clear

Gasoline

Please read everything! The Mercedes-Benz 450 SL was a thoroughbred. As defined by Messrs. Merriam and Webster, a thoroughbred is “bred from the best blood through a long line,” a perfect description of the blue blood lineage of the 450 SL, a legacy that includes the thundering performance of the 300 SLR, the functional beauty of the 300 SL Gullwing Coupe, and the style and grace of the 230-250-280 SL series. With a distinctive flair, stimulating performance, and superior comfort, the 450 SL added significantly to the Mercedes-Benz SL heritage – a thoroughbred that was, as the Mercedes ads used to say, “Engineered Like No Other Car in the World”. -- On The Road Again, "Cars We Love" Three owner car, always garage kept, always Southwestern (time split between Albuquerque and Southern California). Needs some small attention, but with a minimal effort would be a superb daily driver, or great platform for a future show car. 1973 is the BEST YEAR for the 450SL: small chrome bumpers, limited smog gear (most horsepower of all 450s - 190HP SAE net vs 160HP for 1980 450, no Catalytic Converter), no smog required in California! Factory hunter green paint with period correct pin stripes is glossy and has a deep luster. The only exception is the center section of the hardtop which lacks the luster. I'm guessing that piece is fiberglass and that's why, but it's really only noticeable from directly above. The sides of the hardtop are great. That said, this is not a show-car finish. On close examination there are some scratches and small swirls, chipping on the back edges of the doors and a few pebble impressions/marks. The largest scratches are about two inches long, one at the front left just behind the parking light and the other on the left just below the hardtop (see pictures). No dents, no rust, no crazing, no peeling, no paint bubbles. I think a little touch-up paint would go a long way, but I decided to leave that to the buyer so that you can see everything and make your own choices of how to address things. I get compliments all the time as is. No tears or cracks anywhere in the Bamboo (Cognac) MB Tex interior. This car was never left in the sun. Even the carpets are good. Very slight abrasion on the driver's backrest piping. See pics. There is a surface scratch in the windshield from the wiper blade. It is the original MB glass. Runs and drives well. All running lights, gauges, electric windows, and even the clock and power antenna work. A/C compressor kicks in but does not blow cold. I know it hasn't been charged in a long long time, but that may or may not be the problem. I recently replaced the wiper blades, battery, fuel filter, spark-plugs and spark plug wires, front sway bar drop link bushings and flexible brake hoses. If I were keeping the car I'd update more of the suspension rubber. Factory (option in '73) light alloy wheels are in excellent condition. Green Hardtop and Black Soft-top included: It's a while since the hardtop has been off, but my recollection is the soft-top fabric is in good shape (it's rarely been up) but there are normal crease marks in the Eisenglas window. Also included are original Owner's Manual (fair condition) and full Car Cover (very good condition). Clean California Title in hand, California registration paid to January, 2019. The back story: I have known this car since the early 1990's when I became friends with the second owners (they purchased it in Albuquerque in 1984). They split their time and large car collection between Albuquerque and Santa Barbara County where I live. In fact, some years back I drove this car out from Albuquerque to here, non-stop (except gas) with zero problems. These are great highway cruisers. My friends didn't drive the car much but always kept it registered, maintained and exercised, until a few years back when, in their nineties, it became too much. For awhile I would drive it occasionally for them but eventually it wouldn't start and they had bigger issues to deal with so it sat for the last year or so. I inherited the car last summer and discovered that the only reason it wouldn't start was that a small leak at a fuel hose clamp had caused all the gas to drain out. I replaced that hose and clamp, put on a new fuel filter and stuck a new battery in and it started right up. I would love to keep the car but I don't have time or money for it right now. I strongly encourage personal inspections. The car is being driven (weekend only) so expect mileage to go up slightly. IMPORTANT: Please remember that this car is 45 years old! I have done my best to describe things but I am not a mechanic and may have overlooked something. More importantly, with any car this age something that works today may break tomorrow. I can offer no guarantees and am selling the car "As Is, Where Is". Again, I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PERSONAL INSPECTIONS BEFORE YOU COMMIT TO BUYING THE CAR. Your deposit is Non-Refundable (to cover my time and expenses) so don't commit unless you want to buy it. I have bought and sold multiple cars on eBay and I know it can feel daunting. If you can't inspect it in person, please ask questions. Communication is the key. If you want a picture of something else just ask. A $400.00 deposit via PayPal is required within 48 hours of buying. Local pickup welcome or I will be happy to assist in setting up transport (at the buyer's cost). I will not release the car or title until I receive cash or other funds have cleared into my bank. If you have questions about this please ask. This early survivor 450SL can be driven and enjoyed as-is, or it can be a basis for further restoration. The Hagerty.com Collector Car Value Guide rates this model at#1 Concours: $41,400#2 Excellent: $30,700#3 Good: $20,500#4 Fair: $8,400 This car is way more than "Fair".