1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL

1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL Convertible Stylistically the R107 Chassis with its blend of slab shapes and extra long radii curves owes far more to the Panzerkampfwagen Königstiger than its graceful automotive predecessors, the W198 and W113 Sport Leicht series. Under the hood, unlike the six cylinder Gullwing and Pagoda Benzes, the R107 is motivated by a V8 engine. Thetruthaboutcars.com For consignment, a 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible showing 93,770 miles, but the true miles are unknown. The 450sl is a cruise missile of a car, a true Grand Tourer capable of days of comfortable Autobahn travel... top up, or down, on or off. Exterior The well balanced body dimensions of the 450 look good in any color, and single stage Anthracite Gray is no exception. This car comes with a matching removable hardtop that provides all weather protection, and a nice black canvas top that provides spur of the moment, open air motoring. It can be tucked under a hard tonneau that is essentially seamless and maintains the flat plain profile between the straight shoulder lines. The offset wheel openings result in the rear wheel partially covered, but the 15-inch Mercedes Benz wheels are fully visible front and rear while the ribbed rocker panels under side molding is a trademark detail of the model, and the ribs continue to the front valance. Imperfections are limited to some bubbling on that rocker, and scuffs on a wheel. Interior Another trademark of the Benz is the use of their leather like material called MB tex, and it starts on the beige door panels with smooth and perforated surfaces, showing a touch of patina but fully intact. The bucket seats show heavy patina and cracking in the material and the carpeted package shelf behind them is slightly soiled but in otherwise good shape. Up front, a texturized and rubberized steering wheel rim frames the efficient gauge cluster and the center stack is framed in Zebrano wood with an AM/FM radio and A/C control panel. Some laminate cracking is seen on the up facing wood on the center console that houses the black shifter and plush tan carpet on the floor is in good shape, protected by mats. The trunk is smartly finished with tan carpeted panels and presents cleanly. Drivetrain Here we have the desired 4.5 liter SOHC V8 in driver quality condition, fuel injected via a Bosch Jet-tronic system and mated to a 3-speed automatic that routes power to the rear axle with 3.07 gears. Undercarriage Some residual oil is noted on the rear differential and transmission pan with a touch of dampness on the oil pan as well. In general, we have driver quality conditions here with typical road grime, clear knuckles, and minimal surface rust. Independent coil spring suspension is front and rear and so are power disc brakes. Dual exhaust meets at the stock style muffler in pack and exude twin tips. Drive-Ability We find the car idles fine on startup but runs rough when the gas is pressed, popping and on the verge of stalling. So, we settle for a functional test and find the clock and heater blower not working and if you want to hear music, you'll need the code for the radio. Beyond that, all functions at hand work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. Once you work out the kinks, you'll have one of the great cars to come out of Sindelfingen. Balanced, powerful, and comfortable, these are the ultimate personal luxury sports car and the exterior design that lasted 20 years at Mercedes still turns heads and will continue to for decades to follow! Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country