Highlights

Matching-numbers 4.5-litre V8 engine with automatic transmission
Factory-equipped with air conditioning, power windows and central locking
Supplied with Mercedes-Benz datacard, original manuals and maintenance records from new
Approximately $30,000 in documented maintenance expenditure, including around $4,500 spent in 2024
EU import duties and VAT paid; seller can assist with worldwide shipping

The Appeal

The R107-generation SL is one of the most enduring sports cars Mercedes-Benz ever produced, and its eighteen-year production run speaks volumes about its fundamental rightness. The 450SL, with its 4.5-litre V8, occupies a particularly desirable position in the range, powerful, refined and ideally suited to grand touring. Well-documented examples are increasingly sought after, and this 1978 car makes a strong case for attention.

Finished in ‘906G’ Light Blue Metallic over cream leather, this matching-numbers example is accompanied by its Mercedes-Benz datacard, original manuals and maintenance records stretching from the delivery inspection in 1978 right through to October 2024, representing approximately $30,000 in documented expenditure. Significant mechanical work has been carried out over the years, including two engine rebuilds and a thorough programme of renewal in 2024.

Originally delivered new in California, the car has since been imported to the Netherlands with EU duties and VAT fully paid. The seller can also assist with worldwide transport and shipping, making this an accessible opportunity for enthusiasts across Europe and beyond.

History and Paperwork

1978 model year, originally delivered in California, USA
Imported from the USA to the Netherlands
USA title and Dutch import documentation present
EU customs duties and VAT have been paid
VIN: 10704412046954
Mercedes-Benz datacard confirming factory specification
Original manuals included
Maintenance records from the 1978 delivery inspection through to October 2024
Approximately $30,000 in documented maintenance invoices
Around $4,500 spent on maintenance in 2024
Seller can assist with worldwide transport and shipping

This vehicle is sold with its original US Title. Please note that it has not yet been road-registered or safety-inspected within the EU.

Extra options that come with this car (from factory):

Factory air conditioning

Power windows

Central locking

Heat-insulating glass

Service history (From new):

06/16/1978 – Mercedes-Benz Service (Delivery Inspection)

First inspection (300–600 miles)
Engine oil and filter change

12/04/1978 – Mercedes-Benz Service

Lubrication service
Engine oil and filter change

02/18/1980 – Mercedes Centre, Santa Cruz, CA

Scheduled maintenance
Oil service

03/23/1981 – Mercedes Centre, Santa Cruz, CA

Lubrication service
Brake inspection
General inspection

09/14/1981 – Mercedes Centre, Santa Cruz, CA

Scheduled service
General inspection

02/08/1982 – Mercedes Centre, Santa Cruz, CA

Non-scheduled maintenance
General service

05/18/1982 – Claridge’s Ltd., Fremont, CA

Scheduled maintenance
General inspection

05/31/1983 – R.A.B. Motors, San Rafael, CA

Lubrication service
Brake inspection

09/16/1983 – R.A.B. Motors, San Rafael, CA

Scheduled maintenance
Oil service

05/21/1984 – R.A.B. Motors, San Rafael, CA

“E” service (major scheduled service)

06/27/1985 – European Motors Ltd., San Francisco, CA

Scheduled maintenance
General inspection

01/15/1986 – R.A.B. Motors, San Rafael, CA

Lubrication service
Brake inspection

08/07/1986 – R.A.B. Motors, San Rafael, CA

Scheduled maintenance
Oil service

03/23/1987 – Service Entry

Oil service (Texaco Havoline 20W-50)

04/26/1987 – Service Entry

Oil service (Kendall 20W-50)

07/27/1992 – German Auto Repair, Fresno, CA

Replace A/C high-pressure hose
Evacuate and recharge A/C system

09/18/1991 – Len Roach Mercedes, Soquel, CA – Cost: $567.24

Remove and reinstall radiator
Radiator rod-out cleaning
Replace heater servo unit
Replace coolant and hoses

1996 – Len Roach Mercedes, Soquel, CA (multiple invoices combined) – Total approx. $5,488.49
Major engine and repair work:

Timing chain failure diagnosed (engine stopped running)
Broken timing chain rail and tensioner
Bent valves (left cylinder head)
Camshaft damage

Work performed:

Remove cylinder heads
Replace timing chain and tensioner
Replace camshaft (right side)
Replace valves and guides
Valve stem seals
Head gasket set
Reassembly of engine

Additional:

Oil leak diagnosis (not fully resolved at that time)
Air pump bracket repair (welded)

04/01/1996 – Len Roach Mercedes, Soquel, CA

Oil and filter service
Replace front brake pads and rotors
Replace rear brake pads
Replace rear brake hoses
Repair exhaust pipe
Smog inspection
Throttle linkage adjustment
Recommendation: exhaust manifold + oil leaks

Late 1990s – Shell Auto Care (Northgate / Sierra Shell, CA)

A/C Service (Northgate Shell):

A/C recharge service

08/27/1999 – Sierra Shell Auto Care, Roseville, CA – Cost: $467.86

Bearing replacement
Driveshaft service
Steering work
Exhaust / muffler work
Power steering service

West Coast Mufflers – Citrus Heights, CA (late 1990s) – approx. $375.55

Replace muffler
Exhaust work

09/07/1994 – German Auto Repair, Fresno, CA – Cost: $326.65

Replace smog pump
Replace muffler hangers
Replace antenna mast
Replace belt

10/02/2004 – German Specialty Cars, Granite Bay, CA – Cost: $253.94

Diagnose smog issue
Replace oxygen sensor
Adjust transmission kickdown cable

09/01/2006 – German Specialty Cars, Granite Bay, CA

Engine diagnosis
Cylinder head removal
Bent valves identified

09/16/2006 – German Specialty Cars, Granite Bay, CA

Replace timing chain and tensioner
Replace cam oilers
Replace valve seals
Replace head gaskets
Machine cylinder heads

2006–2007 – German Specialty Cars, Granite Bay, CA – Total: $4,732.24

Major engine rebuild completion:

Cylinder head overhaul
Timing system replacement
Camshaft-related components
Valve train rebuild
Injector service
Fuel system cleaning
Gaskets and seals throughout engine
Engine reassembly and tuning

10/05/2007 – German Specialty Cars, Granite Bay, CA

Replace valve cover gaskets
Replace injector seals
Fuel system adjustments

11/21/2016 – Knight’s Automotive, Sacramento, CA – Total: $858.53

Diagnosis:

Misfiring engine
Transmission slipping
Suspension vibration
Differential leak
Valve cover leaks
Steering looseness
Fuel system issues

Work performed:

Replace spark plugs
Replace distributor cap and rotor
Replace fan clutch
Replace valve cover gaskets
Replace drive belts
Tune-up and diagnostics

02/07/2023 – German Motors, Sacramento, CA – Invoice RO #8554

Replace vacuum lines and connectors
Replace vacuum check valve
Replace breather hose and gasket
Tune-up: spark plugs, wires, fuel filter
Replace fuel hoses
Cooling system inspection
Note: possible head gasket issue

03/13/2023 – German Motors – Payment: $3,500.00

10/04/2024 – Silver Star Motors, Carmichael, CA
Labor: $2,960.00
Parts: $941.21

Replace water pump
Cooling system pressure test
Replace coolant
Set engine to factory specs
Replace starter
Replace ring gear

10/08/2024 – Silver Star Motors, Carmichael, CA
Labor: $448.00
Parts: $154.16

Replace combination switch
ACC servo bypass (climate control repair)

The Condition

Finished in 906G Light Blue Metallic, resprayed at some point in the past
The vendor reports only minor signs of use consistent with the car's age
Cream leather interior (Code 205) with some wear noted on the door cards
Minor sun-induced cracks present in the dashboard
Hard top included and reported to be in good order
Soft top included but in need of replacement
Chrome bumpers, chrome grille, chrome mirrors, fog lights and full-size spare wheel
176,861 miles indicated on the odometer

Mercedes-Benz datacard information:

Main option codes:

518 – Becker radio (USA version)
531 – Automatic antenna
587 – Behr air conditioning + electric windows
592 – Heat-insulating glass all around + heated rear window
639 – Elimination of first aid kit / warning triangle (market-specific)
467 – Central locking system
494 – Version for USA (emissions & safety compliance)
Chassis/VIN: 107044-12-046954
Engine: 117.985 (4.5L V8)
Transmission: 722001 (Automatic)
Production number: 01799
Paint: 906G – Light Blue Metallic
Interior trim: Code 205 (Beige/Cream leather)

The Mechanics

4.5-litre (4,520cc) V8 producing 180hp (matching numbers, engine code 117.985)
Three-speed automatic transmission (722001)
The vendor reports the engine runs smoothly
Water pump replaced in October 2024
Starter and ring gear replaced in October 2024
Cooling system pressure tested and coolant replaced in October 2024
Engine set to factory specifications in October 2024
Combination switch replaced and climate control servo bypassed in October 2024
Vacuum lines, check valve, breather hose, spark plugs, plug wires, fuel filter and fuel hoses replaced in early 2023
Major engine rebuild carried out in 2006–2007, including cylinder head overhaul, timing system replacement, valve train rebuild and injector service
Earlier engine rebuild carried out in 1996
Factory air conditioning, power steering, servo-assisted brakes and cruise control

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