In Benz speak there is no more revered model than the ‘SL’. Loosely translated ‘SL’ means ‘lightweight sports’ and it has been attached to the mightiest Mercedes sports cars since 1954 when the legendary 300SL was shown to the world for the first time. These Mercedes-Benz SL’s has been known to easily outlast many of its contemporaries – treated properly we’ve no doubt that these machines have the potential to go on forever.
Although it is a sports car, you wouldn’t describe the SL as an out-and-out performance motor. While it has adequate pace, boasting a 0-60 mph time comfortably under the 10-second bracket, the refinement and looks were of more importance. This focus on design has paid dividends today as you can park a Merc SL of this era anywhere and it’ll fit in.
The market for SLs has changed significantly over the past few years. As the previous ‘Pagoda’ SLs started to sell for big money, more and more attention was paid to the then more accessible R107, ultimately driving the price up for exceptional quality vehicles. This also resulted in a number of cars entering the market, which helped to stabilise the prices somewhat.
Purchased by the current owner back in 2003 from Select Cars after seeing the car advertised, as soon as they saw the car they fell in love. Before Select Cars received the car in part-exchange, the car was sold by Great Cars International Ltd. Sadly, due to ill health the current owner feels like the car now needs to be appreciated by someone else.
Garaged for the last 18 years, and only driven on sunny days and back and forth for MOT. It has a current up to date MOT which proves that this car has wanted for nothing in its life. The car has only completed 1,600 miles since June 2006, as previous MOT’s highlight.
You Open the door to find the original black leather interior and the dark brown wood that’s become synonymous with Mercedes over the last few years. The interior has been well maintained and the leather is supportive and comfortable. Everything works inside as it should, and it is a lovely place to be.
Complete with a Kenwood tape player and a multi-cd changer in the boot. The boot is a great size and carpeted so even your luggage can travel in style!
The car generally is in lovely condition. However there are a few bits to mention. For example there’s some bubbling paint on the osf above the light on the bonnet, over the wheel arch, the osf bumper has a small cut in it.This should be an easy fix for someone with a bit of know how.
The hard top recently benefited from anti-rust treatment and a full respray.
That said, the good stuff far out-weighs the bad. As mentioned above, the car comes with a hard top as well which is certainly a great extra. The dark navy blue convertible roof is in lovely condition and is compliments the traditional Mercedes silver.
The car started every time without hesitation during photographing and purrs on tick over. Even though the car is exempt, the current owner has the car MOT’d every year and any feedback that is given by the mechanic on any work that needs completing the owner has it done without question.
Subsequently this car feels beautifully smooth and very well maintained. There are no obvious leaks, smoke or any untoward noises! Just a lovely purr of that 4.5 litre engine!
Dry stored and driven only when you need to wear sunglasses, this car hasn’t felt the cold raindrops on its paintwork in years. It is a beautiful looking car with the hardtop on, but there is no comparison to what it looks like with its top down. The sensation is added to with the lovely purr that comes from the 4.5 litre engine as you drive along through the British countryside.
The cockpit is a lovely place to be and this has been cherished and cared for certainly for the last 18 years and seemingly, its entire life. It really is a lovely car which is good to be enjoyed straight away. This seems like a really lovely, genuine classic car which has many miles left still to enjoy!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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More about buying with us
1980 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL (R107)
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