Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 14th October from 12pm
Auction: Wed 15th October from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1980 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL
Estimate
£12, 000 - £15, 000
Registration No: PAU 940W
Chassis No: the details below
MOT: May 2026
Warranted 74, 500 miles from new
In the current registered family ownership since 1991
Especially well-presented interior and complete with the body-coloured hard top
Supplied with the original stamped service book documenting services up to 69, 580 miles
Arriving in 1971, the R107 generation of Mercedes-Benz’s SL roadsters and coupés borrowed chassis components from its small W114 saloon line but paired them with the powerful V8 engines from its larger saloons (though straight-six alternatives were introduced in 1974). Enjoying a reputation for solidity common to all Mercedes of the era, the R107s were also praised for their sure-footed handling, courtesy of all-around independent coil-sprung suspension, power-assisted steering and disc brakes. Always more of a 'grand tourer' than an out-and-out sports car, the vast majority of R107s were fitted with automatic transmissions. Powered by a 4, 520cc SOHC V8 engine, the 450SL model was quoted as developing some 225bhp and 278lbft of torque. A strong 120mph-plus performer, it remained in production until 1980.
Finished in a beautiful golden brown, this 450 SL was originally sold through B. & K. Thomas Ltd. Mercedes-Benz of Nottingham to the landlord of the Cardinal Inn in Sutton-in-Ashfield. Service records suggest it received frequent but modest use up to 1991, when it had covered 69, 580 miles. That same year, it was purchased by the registered keeper's father (the sixth keeper) and has seen minimal use since, having now covered a total of only 74, 500 miles. In fact, the Mercedes was placed in a garage in 2004 after 74, 483 miles and not brought out until 2024, when it was subjected to recommissioning which was completed earlier this year. It was subsequently submitted for an MOT, which it passed and which remains valid until May, 2026.
The SL was evidently kept in a good environment during its hibernation, as the bodywork and interior appear in good standing for an unrestored 45-year-old machine. It has survived in a commendable state of originality, and we believe it presents entirely to factory specification save for the BBS wheels, which are a charming period addition. A genuinely special example, it is offered for sale with the current V5C, the sales invoice from 1991, MOTs from 1994 to 2004, and a service book with 12 stamps up to 1991.
PLEASE NOTE: The registration number shown in the images is not included in the sale.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
