1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL R107

Highlights

Lesser-seen 450 V8
Presented in superb overall condition for its age
Older bare metal restoration still holding up well
In previous ownership for 24 years (since 1997)
Complete with matching factory hard top
Now exempt from road tax and MOT testing

The Appeal

The R107 SL set the benchmark for luxury open-topped GTs. The likes of Triumph tried to match it with the V8-engined Stag, but nobody could get close to Mercedes’ enviable combination of elegant design, superb build quality and immense performance.

The R107 remained in production for eighteen years, during which time it was offered with a multitude of engine variations. Here we have one of the rarest, a 450 SL which sits right in the middle of the R107’s V8 range. The 450 offered an enviable balance between performance and usability, with its 4.5-litre naturally aspirated engine producing loads of torque, perfect for continental grand touring. Press your right foot to the bulkhead and it would sprint from 0-62 mph in around 10 seconds, and go on to reach a very competitive top speed of 133mph!

This 1979 example was first registered in May 1979 and has had seven registered keepers. We’re informed that it was originally white and was subject to a bare metal restoration (and colour change) around thirty years ago.

It was in the care of the previous keeper since 1997 for a total of 24 years during which time it was serviced diligently with leading specialists. In current hands, it has undergone a further service, a change of battery and had a few new pieces of trim fitted ensuring that the SL continues to look very smart and drive exactly as it should.

Now exempt from road tax and MOT so ready to enjoy, this SL is a mightily tempting proposition.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in May 1979
In previous ownership for 24 years: 1997-2022
Seven former registered keepers
Bare metal restoration prior to previous ownership
Six and a half years spent in professional, secure, climate-controlled storage between 1998 and 2005 due to the owner working overseas in the United States
Maintained by a series of marque specialists as evidenced by the extensive history file
The original odometer was swapped out in June 1997 due to the speedometer mechanism breaking, with the new odometer starting at 0
13,361 miles indicated - previous speedometer/odometer unit accompanies the car
V5C present
Original service book
Photographic record of restoration work
Numerous notes detailing the car’s history and maintenance compiled by the previous owner

The Condition

Older restoration holding up very nicely
Superbly presented inside and out
Some recent new pieces of trim recently fitted
Small age-commensurate blemishes are visible upon close inspection as photographed, but nothing especially noteworthy
The black soft top looks in fantastic order, with no notable fogging to the rear window
The factory hard top survives and looks to be in fine condition
The interior has weathered very well with minimal signs of wear
We understand all the cabin electrics to be in good order
Period stereo removed but accompanies the car - a modern stereo is in its place

During the restoration, the shell was stripped back to metal, and had a number of new panels fitted, with any remaining corrosion either cut out or treated with Generalate and red oxide in order to stop any further spread. The car was then completely sprayed inside-and-out in Red, and the interior was completely re-trimmed and refreshed with new carpets, seat covers, panels and a rear seat conversion kit fitted.

Looking along the flanks, the bodywork is still wonderfully straight throughout with nice even panel lines and no sign of any notable wear or dents. The paintwork remains in very good shape, showing only light wear that you’d expect from the minimal miles covered over the past few decades.

The chrome details show some light patina and when viewed up close, but remain very presentable. All four wheels are in good condition, but all have some combination of light grazes, paint chipping or pitting.

The interior retains an impressive degree of ‘freshness’ and presents fantastically throughout, something not often seen on SLs of this vintage. The dashboard is in great shape, as is the centre console and shifter mechanism, though there is light wear noted around the handbrake mounting point. The leather seats look in excellent shape with no noted rips, tears or major scuffs, just the usual creases and light wear to the outer bolsters as expected. The rear seats, too, are in excellent shape still, though they do not appear to have been used too regularly.

The Mechanics

4.5-litre NA petrol V8
Three-speed automatic gearbox
Full fuel injection system overhaul by a Bristol-based Bosch injection specialist shortly before the vendor acquired the car
Recent new battery
All presents well under the bonnet

The 4.5-litre V8 engine is a masterpiece of packaging, taking up almost every square inch of space available. The engine and its ancillaries present well, look very original and all systems appear to be functioning correctly.

Interestingly, the Sigma alarm system that is fitted to the car still works - a real period piece. The vendor informs us that the SL drives well, with ample performance and no known issues to report.

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