Highlights

One registered lady keeper from new
Genuine low mileage of 55,000 miles
Highly original car in metallic Thistle Green inside and out
V8-engined 450SLC with rare fully working factory air conditioning (gas conversion carried out from R12 to R134A)
Brakes overhauled and new exhaust with few miles since
Recently recommissioned with around £5,000 spent
£3,000 spent on fuel system alone
MOT valid to June 2026 with no advisories

The Appeal

The 450SLC is the hidden gem of the SL range, a more spacious, pillarless coupe that is perfect for a road trip. Good survivors are few and far between, and we suspect none are quite as impressive as this one.

This 1977 LHD 450SL is that rarest of rarities, a single registered keeper, highly original car that has covered just 55,000 documented miles (88,000 kms) from new. Beautifully finished in Thistle Green metallic with matching velour interior, it is a great reminder of how elegant these longer R107-based cars were.

The seller acquired the car 12 months ago from the original keeper. She bought the car in Germany in 1977 and imported it to the UK in 1980 when she moved. It was used regularly up to 2012 when illness forced the car into storage. At that point, it received over £3,500 of work, including brake system overhaul and a new exhaust.

In 2024 the vendor set about a comprehensive recommissioning process costing over £5,000. The work focused on the fuelling system and included a new tank, filters, pump, injectors, new battery and distributor. Some localised paintwork rectification was undertaken due to light scratches. The bodywork and paintwork condition is very good. The original interior carries some signs of age in certain high-traffic areas.

The car comes to market with a good history file and the transparency of a lengthy, advisory-free MOT to June 2026.

The vendor says:

“This car drives effortlessly well. It has beautiful lines and I personally think it is one of the nicest colour schemes. With the driver's seat bolsters repaired the car has to be an excellent investment with its very low mileage and basically one lady owner from new. The reason for sale is I have recently purchased a same period 450SL convertible.”

History and Paperwork

First registered in Germany in 1977
UK registered from 1st February 1980
Single registered keeper from new
Single registered UK keeper
One lady owner from new for approximately 46 years
Vendor acquired car 12 months ago
Used regularly until approximately 2012 then stored in a garage due to illness
Comprehensive paperwork available confirming ownership history and verifying the genuine 55,000-mile odometer reading
Typed statement confirming car’s history shown in photos
Prior to storage in 2013 over £3,000 was spent on new brakes and exhaust system
Recently recommissioned with approximately £5,000 spent on the fuel system
Various invoices for these parts shown in photos
Current and older V5C in current keeper’s name
Car is eligible for Historic Vehicle status based on age
Factory handbooks and original documents as shown
MOT to 18th June 2026 with no advisories
Shows 88,546 ‘miles’ on MOT which should read as kms (55,020 miles)
Now showing 88,596 kms in photos (55,051 miles)

The Condition

Attractive Thistle Green metallic paintwork in very good mostly original order
Vendor advises some light paintwork rectification work recently to address scratches
Some minor surface scratches are said to remain but not be unsightly
Bodywork presents well overall with arches, sills and underside in good order
No structural advisories for underside on the current MOT
Factory ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys with matching spare in good condition
Classic Michelin tyres fitted all round
Exterior glasswork, chromework and fittings including bumper rubbers in good condition
Light green velour interior in generally very good, original condition as shown
Some light age to high traffic areas as highlighted in photos
Interior features rare fully functioning factory air conditioning (with gas conversion from R12 to R134A)
Driver's seat bolsters show wear and would benefit from replacement
Vendor estimates cost at seat repair at £900
Some wear visible on the passenger footwell carpet edge
Light stains to note to the rear seat squab
Retains its factory Becker Mexico stereo

The Mechanics

4.5-litre M117 225bhp V8 engine
3spd automatic transmission
Good history file as shown in photos
£3,500 of brake work and new exhaust in 2013
Recent recommissioning work detailed below
The vendor reports the car drives very well with smooth gearbox operation
No advisories on current MOT

Recent fuel system recommissioning carried out including:

New petrol tank installed
Replacement petrol filters and pump fitted
New injectors installed
Fuel distributor overhauled

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..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

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✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..