Highlights

One of the first 1,000 450SLs produced
Single USA keeper to 2017 and then one UK keeper
Very well-presented car in brown with two-tone interior
Rare cream soft top, an option available for only two years
Voluntary MOT to September 2027 with no advisories
Extensive list of new genuine Mercedes parts fitted
Accompanied by handbooks, original metal delivery plate, and a file of bills
Supplied with matching factory hardtop

The Appeal

The R107 was built for American interstates and the big, powerful 4.5L M117 V8 made light work on long trips. It’s a quality, alongside the bulletproof engineering, that makes these cars, even a very early one like this, so utterly usable for tours and weekend drives.

Chassis records show that this 1972 450SL was the 920th built. We’re told that it subsequently spent its entire life in the USA, up to 2017, with a single keeper. Finished in period-appropriate brown with a beautifully presented two-tone tan interior, it is a really good example of these early, purer cars. We love the details like the bumper overriders, ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys and the rare cream roof, which was only available for two years. It was recently replaced by SL specialist Kevin O’Keefe and is complemented by a matching factory hardtop with stand.

The vendor acquired the car on its arrival in the UK in 2017 and has maintained it well. Alongside the new roof, where required the carpets have been replaced and the passenger's seat repaired. Mechanical work has included the brakes, exhaust system, suspension, cooling system, electrics, and tyres. A list is provided below. He describes the car as driving extremely well, starting on the button with smooth, jerk-free transmission changes and no smoke. It has recently passed its voluntary MOT with no advisories. Some chrome on the rear bumper and minor bubbling on one rear wheel arch are honestly noted, but this early 450SL presents as a well-sorted and carefully maintained example.

The vendor says:

“I have owned and enjoyed the SL for 9 years I have dealt with any potential issues over this time, the car drives extremely well, starts on the button, stops perfect, the transmission is smooth no jerky changes and no smoke. The car has just passed the MOT with no advisories and compliments were made by the tester to the condition of the SL The car has been a joy to own, extremely refined for a car produced in 1972 and was one of the first 1000 SLs to be produced, with chassis number 920.”

Key Information

Mileage: 152,543 miles indicated
Country of registration: UK, imported from the United States in July 2017
Technical inspection status: voluntary MOT to 6th September 2027 with no advisories
Technical specs: 4,520cc M117 V8, 4spd automatic
Paperwork: Mercedes SL handbooks, original metal delivery plate, and a file of parts and repair bills

The Detail

Previously owned by one elderly owner in the United States
Sold as an executor sale following the owner's passing
Acquired by current keeper in 2017 and he is the only UK keeper
The vendor describes the overall condition as very good
Brown paintwork in good order with matching hard top
Some chrome on the rear bumper requires attention
Small rust noted on front of right rear wheel arch, on fluting panel below the trim line
Rare cream soft top only available for two years
Cream soft top recently replaced by SL specialist Kevin O'Keeffe
Underside as shown with no structural or other advisories on MOT
Mexican Hat alloy wheels with steel spare wheel
Two-tone tan interior in very good order with recently replaced carpets
The vendor states the interior is in very nice condition for its age
New carpet fitted and a passenger seat repair carried out by Kevin O'Keeffe
Blower motor reported to be in working order
List of maintenance work provided below
Described as starting, driving and running well by seller
Hands-free continental radio/CD player, electric aerial and removable affinity speaker box

List of work provided by seller:

New brake discs
Replacement brake callipers
Mercedes complete exhaust system
Front and rear anti-roll bars
Subframe bushes
New Bilstein shocks
Track rods
Water pump
Thermostat
Service items
New alternator
Replacement battery
Washer pump
Brake master cylinder
Auxiliary air valve
Working blower motor
New tyres
Reconditioned front hubs
New fuel pump

BEFORE YOU BUY

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