IN THE GARAGE: 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL

Classic elegance within reach

TIMELESS CLASS. For most of the 70s and 80s, the Mercedes-Benz SL (R107) was the embodiment of a lifestyle that evoked achieving a certain status in life while still being able to enjoy it. They were the cars of the stars and the country club set. They were sporty without being sports cars, with refined elegance and graceful performance. Over its remarkable 18-year run, the 107 SL never lost any of its appeal and many would agree that it hasn’t to this day. Of those 18 years, the most enduring is the 450 SL, spanning from 1973 (1972 if you count the 350 SL with the 450’s motor) through 1980. With its iconic “bundt” wheels and fluted rockers, it’s what comes to many people’s minds when recalling the 107. 1980—the final year of production for the 450 SL—also has the distinction of being the only model year to feature anti-lock brakes. Today, the 450 SL’s enduring caché combined with modest prices make it a perfect example of “look rich cheap.” As such, they’ve held up well in a soft economy and are beginning to climb as market conditions improve.

OVERALL CONDITION
Because the cars were so drivable, it stands to reason that many 450 SLs were driven. And driven. And driven. While it’s true that 450 SLs—like any Mercedes-Benz—have legendary durability, finding one with less than 100K miles is somewhat rare. The one listed here is not only a low-mileage example, with 93,000 actual miles, but retains its production line form and has excellent owner history. It’s a lifelong California car owned by a professional woman who later passed it onto her son. The car has been under one family since new. It’s everything a proper 107 should be: It has both tops. It has the original Becker Mexico audio system. It has a complete set of tools designed specifically for the 107 and it matches its data card. The car is presented in a chic combination of Black with tan leather and black folding top. Gaps are perfect (many higher mileage and even some lower mileage SLs were subject to a lot of body flex, which in time compromised fit). The top is in perfect condition with little evidence of ever being used. Exterior canvas and plastic window are as new. Brightwork is a mirror finish with no pitting. Original glass is excellent all the way around. Mechanically, it’s nice and smooth, pulling away strong without any engine vibration that many of the large-motored 107s experience. There are no leaks, no smoke and no unusual smells. Shifting is clean and silky. There’s none of the lurching that is typical of more tired cars. The interior is in excellent original condition. The original dash does have a couple of small cracks in the typical places (coming forward from the defroster vents, on seam of instrument pond), but is otherwise straight and solid. Seats are firm with very little wear on the leather. The wood retains a deep polish and shows no dryness. All instruments work, including the clock. The trunk is clean with excellent fit and finish. The headliners on both the hard and soft tops are clean with no tears or other blemishes and no yellowing. With either top—up or down—it’s a car that’s both a pleasure to drive and a beauty to behold.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Driving an R107 never ceases to elicit images of rolling through tree-lined country roads or meeting friends for lunch at the yacht club. The 450 SL—especially one in this condition—is still perfectly at home in just about any environment where style and grace meet suave and sexy. The first thing you’ll notice is the comfort. Seats are firm and supportive yet comfortable enough for all-day touring. Next you’ll grab the large, leather-wrapped steering wheel and turn the key as the 4.5 liter V8 comes to life. Put the car in drive and the car accelerates with steady power, which is considerable by 1980 standards. It’s not neck-snapping by any means but plenty strong with a wide power band for excellent drivability at moderate sppeds. The suspension is solid. There is no cowl or scuttle shake over obstructions like railroad tracks. There are no rattles or squeaks. Even with the top down, the car is relatively quiet. Even though many would stop short of calling this a true sports car, it has enough sporting characteristics to call it fun to drive. Its handling is spirited with excellent balance. Power and especially torque are on hand when you need it while the brakes grip well when you don’t. And of course there’s little substitute for the pure joy of top-down motoring.