We have trouble keeping the R107 Mercedes SLs in stock, and for a lot of very good reasons: they're stylish, competent, and incredibly durable. This 1979 450 SL also represents the fact that you can own one of these enviable collectables for not a lot of money, and still get legendary Mercedes-Benz build quality as part of the bargain. The mileage shown is no joke, but don't worry about it, because this one was thoroughly and completely restored less than 30K miles ago. And if you're familiar with these cars at all, you know that they were grossly over-built and will practically run forever with little more than oil changes. The white paint looks great on the two-seat body, reinforcing the understated elegance that typifies these cars. They're not flashy, but they do get attention, and even more than three decades later, everyone knows that these are high-end machines. Thanks to life in a warm climate, there's no rust, which was the SL's lone Achilles' heel when exposed to northern climates. Chrome remains excellent, and all the rubber remains supple and showing no evidence of UV damage that can make it look chalky. The two-seat interior is quite comfortable for two adults on a cross-country jaunt, and with fresh MB-Tex seat covers that were installed in 2008, it looks fantastic. Actually, the stuff wears like iron, so you can count on it looking this good ten years from now with only modest care. Matching blue carpets are plush, the original door panels are excellent, and even the color-matched dash pad shows well. Wood appliques warm up the Teutonic formality of the dash and center console, and the large, easy-to-read instruments are all fully functional. The stereo has been upgraded to an AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit with powerful speakers mounted in the package shelf behind the seats. Power windows and A/C are also standard equipment, along with a 3-speed automatic gearbox with a shifter that has the most intuitive feel of any you've ever used-you'll always know what gear you're in. A blue canvas convertible top stows beneath a hinged tonneau cover behind the seats, and a color-matched hardtop is included. The 4.5 liter V8 is a wonder of durability, flexibility, and performance. With a bubbly V8 idle and silky smooth power delivery, it is the ideal powerplant for a sporting 2-seat roadster. Rebuilt at a cost of more than $10,000, it's ready for another quarter-million miles of motoring. The air cleaner and cam covers dominate the engine bay, and it's certainly a tight fit, but that legendary reliability means that service access is kind of a moot point anyway. The transmission shifts properly, and it's important to note that for some reason, Mercedes programmed its transmissions to start in 2nd gear unless the throttle is really mashed, but it is definitely operating as intended. The suspension is supple but confidence-inspiring, and as I said, rust is a non-issue on this particular car. Classic Mercedes alloys are in excellent shape and now wear 205/70/14 blackwall radials. An A-list roadster that will always get you front-row parking from the valet, all for the price of a used Honda Accord. Now THIS is living! Call today. This vehicle is located in our Atlanta showroom. For more information, please call (678) 279-1609 or toll free (877) 367-1835.
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