1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL (R107)
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
***Vendor Supplied Images***
Highlights
- Milan Brown Metallic paintwork
- Ideal project candidate
- Appears to be complete
- Desirable 4.5-litre V8 model
- Relatively low owners and miles
The Appeal
The R107 is an icon and stalwart of the classic car scene. Elegant and refined, they offer the kind of suave and timeless driving experience that Mercedes-Benz cars of the era were famed for.
This example has been off the road for a while, but offers a great opportunity to bring a stylish grand tourer in a rare specification back to life. With that legendary V8 drivetrain, it would make for a truly excellent cruiser. Whoever rescues this charming old car is sure to enjoy many years of sophisticated motoring once it’s completed.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in May 1979
- Early R107 flagship model
- 4 owners from new
- Current registered owner since November 2000
- Last MOT was in 2019, since then it has been laid up
- Complete with the original owner’s handbook
- Service record up to 98,176 miles
- ULEZ and LEZ compliant
- Historic vehicle status - tax and MOT exempt
The Interior
- Cream half-cloth upholstery, mostly presented in good order with no significant damage
- The beige cabin carpets have perished due to water ingress and will require replacement, as will the boot carpet which is quite stained
- The Zebrano wood veneers all look to be in nice condition, considering the age and mileage of the vehicle
- We’re told by the vendor that the electric windows all work well
- The car features cruise control
- All of the interior trim appears to be complete, although will all require some restoration
The Exterior
- Rare Milan Brown Metallic paintwork, with some lacquer defects, marks and chips
- Original 14” ‘Mexican Hat’ wheels, including the spare
- The black fabric soft-top looks in good condition externally, with no evidence we could see of rips, although the inside is a little tatty and mould marked
- Included is the removable hardtop, which looks to be in average condition, with some marks and scratches to the paintwork and corrosion under the rear trim, while the lining is mould marked and may require refurbishment
- While the bodywork looks to be mostly solid and straight, there are a number of areas that are showing signs of corrosion, including the sills, inner wheel arches and the rear valance
- Looking under the car, the underside looks straight and undamaged as far as could see, but most of the drivetrain components show some level of corrosion
The Mechanics
- 4.5-litre atmospheric V8
- Automatic transmission
- The engine bay looks to be generally clean and tidy
- We’re told by the vendor that there appears to be a fuel leak from the pump or filter
- The car does not start consistently and once running doesn't respond well to the throttle being applied
- It should be noted that this vehicle will require mechanical recommissioning before being returned to the road
- The vendor tells us that the gearbox moves between forward and reverse nicely
- The engine is currently misfiring and appears to have an exhaust blow
Summary
Perennially popular, the R107 makes for a very usable daily classic. Pretty, beautifully made and reliable, they’re more than capable of keeping up with modern traffic and are welcomed anywhere with open arms.
This example may have seen better days, but it makes for a superb opportunity to rescue what was, at the time of manufacture, the flagship of the SL range. Presented in a rare colour and apparently complete, it benefits from having relatively low owners and miles and would be the perfect project for this winter – ready to present at next year’s shows.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1979
- Make Mercedes
- Model 450SL R107
- Colour Rare Milan Brown Metallic
- Odometer 102,502 Miles
- Engine size 4500
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Sawbridgeworth
- Location Hertfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
28
bids
- Lo•••• £10,750 30/11/22
- jo•••• £10,500 30/11/22
- jo•••• £10,250 30/11/22
- Bu•••• £10,000 30/11/22
- jo•••• £9,900 30/11/22
- Bu•••• £9,800 30/11/22
- jo•••• £9,700 30/11/22
- jo•••• £9,600 30/11/22
- Bu•••• £9,500 30/11/22
- jo•••• £9,400 30/11/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.