Highlights
- One registered lady keeper from new
- Genuine low mileage of 55,000 miles
- Highly original car in metallic Thistle Green inside and out
- V8-engined 450SLC with rare fully working factory air conditioning (gas conversion carried out from R12 to R134A)
- Brakes overhauled and new exhaust with few miles since
- Recently recommissioned with around £5,000 spent
- £3,000 spent on fuel system alone
- MOT valid to June 2026 with no advisories
The Appeal
The 450SLC is the hidden gem of the SL range, a more spacious, pillarless coupe that is perfect for a road trip. Good survivors are few and far between, and we suspect none are quite as impressive as this one.
This 1977 LHD 450SL is that rarest of rarities, a single registered keeper, highly original car that has covered just 55,000 documented miles (88,000 kms) from new. Beautifully finished in Thistle Green metallic with matching velour interior, it is a great reminder of how elegant these longer R107-based cars were.
The seller acquired the car 12 months ago from the original keeper. She bought the car in Germany in 1977 and imported it to the UK in 1980 when she moved. It was used regularly up to 2012 when illness forced the car into storage. At that point, it received over £3,500 of work, including brake system overhaul and a new exhaust.
In 2024 the vendor set about a comprehensive recommissioning process costing over £5,000. The work focused on the fuelling system and included a new tank, filters, pump, injectors, new battery and distributor. Some localised paintwork rectification was undertaken due to light scratches. The bodywork and paintwork condition is very good. The original interior carries some signs of age in certain high-traffic areas.
The car comes to market with a good history file and the transparency of a lengthy, advisory-free MOT to June 2026.
The vendor says:
“This car drives effortlessly well. It has beautiful lines and I personally think it is one of the nicest colour schemes. With the driver's seat bolsters repaired the car has to be an excellent investment with its very low mileage and basically one lady owner from new. The reason for sale is I have recently purchased a same period 450SL convertible.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered in Germany in 1977
- UK registered from 1st February 1980
- Single registered keeper from new
- Single registered UK keeper
- One lady owner from new for approximately 46 years
- Vendor acquired car 12 months ago
- Used regularly until approximately 2012 then stored in a garage due to illness
- Comprehensive paperwork available confirming ownership history and verifying the genuine 55,000-mile odometer reading
- Typed statement confirming car’s history shown in photos
- Prior to storage in 2013 over £3,000 was spent on new brakes and exhaust system
- Recently recommissioned with approximately £5,000 spent on the fuel system
- Various invoices for these parts shown in photos
- Current and older V5C in current keeper’s name
- Car is eligible for Historic Vehicle status based on age
- Factory handbooks and original documents as shown
- MOT to 18th June 2026 with no advisories
- Shows 88,546 ‘miles’ on MOT which should read as kms (55,020 miles)
- Now showing 88,596 kms in photos (55,051 miles)
The Condition
- Attractive Thistle Green metallic paintwork in very good mostly original order
- Vendor advises some light paintwork rectification work recently to address scratches
- Some minor surface scratches are said to remain but not be unsightly
- Bodywork presents well overall with arches, sills and underside in good order
- No structural advisories for underside on the current MOT
- Factory ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys with matching spare in good condition
- Classic Michelin tyres fitted all round
- Exterior glasswork, chromework and fittings including bumper rubbers in good condition
- Light green velour interior in generally very good, original condition as shown
- Some light age to high traffic areas as highlighted in photos
- Interior features rare fully functioning factory air conditioning (with gas conversion from R12 to R134A)
- Driver's seat bolsters show wear and would benefit from replacement
- Vendor estimates cost at seat repair at £900
- Some wear visible on the passenger footwell carpet edge
- Light stains to note to the rear seat squab
- Retains its factory Becker Mexico stereo
The Mechanics
- 4.5-litre M117 225bhp V8 engine
- 3spd automatic transmission
- Good history file as shown in photos
- £3,500 of brake work and new exhaust in 2013
- Recent recommissioning work detailed below
- The vendor reports the car drives very well with smooth gearbox operation
- No advisories on current MOT
Recent fuel system recommissioning carried out including:
- New petrol tank installed
- Replacement petrol filters and pump fitted
- New injectors installed
- Fuel distributor overhauled
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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