Highlights

A solid looking USA import in left hand drive – suitable for a variety of geographies
A one UK keeper car having been enthusiast owned for the last five years
In a very good overall condition with just a few minor items possibly needing attention

The Appeal

The R107 Mercedes-Benz SL started hitting the world’s roads in 1971. As the successor to the highly desirable W113 with its “Pagoda” roof and “fishbowl” lights, the R107 had a tough act to follow. Despite boasting neither of these near iconic features the R107 was a huge hit based on its “bank vault” like build quality, sophisticated image and wide range of available engines. These ranged from a couple of fairly meek inline sixes to a choice of V8s in capacities ranging from 3.5 litres up to 5.6 litres.

This example sits midway through the V8 range being the 4.5 litre 450SL iteration. This example has spent the bulk of its life in the USA and seems to have benefitted in terms of a lack of obvious corrosion. Its overall condition appears very sound, and although a flat battery prevented it running or moving on the day of our shoot it is reported to start, run and stop.

The History and Paperwork

This SL was manufactured in January 1972
This makes it an unusually early model with production only starting in mid-1971
The car is a factory left hand drive model and was destined for the US market
It appears that the SL was exported to the UK in 2017 by a specialist company
The current owner then acquired the SL in 2019 to become the first UK keeper
Due to other projects the SL has hardly been used since
The current owner ha the main body resprayed upon acquisition
The hard top remains in its original paint, however
The current owner has engaged a local garage to cure a minor rough running symptom
This is thought to be electrical and at the time of writing remains unresolved
The current V5 is present in the name of the owner
This classifies the SL as an Historic Vehicle
As such the Mercedes is MOT exempt and zero rated for VED in the UK
A Mercedes-Benz letter of origin is present
A copy of the Ohio Certificate of Title is also included
The remained of the paperwork consists of invoices for parts sourced and work undertaken

The Condition

This example is presented in Mittelblau (Medium Blue - 350)
The ribbed panels at sill level are finished in a darker blue
The current owner had the car’s body resprayed on his acquisition
The hard top remains in its original paint, however
The two-tone mid-blue / dark-blue arrangement is thought to be an original specification
The owner reports that the original paint was in this configuration when he bought it
Condition of both paintwork and bodywork looks to be very good for the age of car
There is a very minor dent on the offside rear of the hard top
This is accompanied by a few light scratches (photographed for your review)
Chromed wheel arch embellishments are fitted
The so called “Mexican Hat” alloys are finished in grey and are in a good, overall condition
Being an American specification car the sealed beam, twin circular headlight units are fitted
These have been converted to the correct right hand drive dipping configuration
A matching set of Maxxis tyres are fitted and date stamped from 2020
We were unable to remove the hard top during our visit due to a lack of helpers
The owner reports the soft top to be original and with a small area of rodent damage to one corner
As such these have essentially covered almost no miles to date
The interior looks to be in an equally good order for the age of car
The originality in here is very good, too
The upholstery is courtesy of the mid blue MB-Tex
This is arranged into perforated and vertical padded box pleats
The condition of the seats is generally good
Only the lower hinge cover of the passenger seat is noted as missing
The carpets are original looking and in the familiar blue and black flecked Berber style
Behind the seats is a carpeted luggage platform fitted with a pair of period Pioneer speakers
The dashboard is finished with blue MB-Tex dress deformable foam top and bottom rolls
A strip of light wood veneer dissects these
An original, four spoked Mercedes steering wheel is fitted
The centre console is faced with wood veneer
This houses a 4 x 40w Sony head unit and assorted switch gear
The good-sized boot is finished with a carpet mat
The spare wheel, jack and tools were all present and correct

The Mechanics

This early 450SL is fitted with the well proven M117 V8 engine
This is a unit of 4520cc capacity and an original output of 220 bhp SAE
This is mated to a three-speed W3B automatic transmission
This transferred power to the rear wheels
In these earlier cars the Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection was fitted
The under-bonnet presentation looks entirely original
The inner panels of the engine bay look surprisingly fresh and straight
A number of new and upgraded components were noted
Such as the serpentine belts and aftermarket fuel pressure regulator
What can be seen of the underside of the car looks to be rust free
The car is reported to be accident free with no dents or deformations reported

BEFORE YOU BUY

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..

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