Winning bid
£10,750

1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL (R107)

***Vendor Supplied Images***

Highlights

  • Milan Brown Metallic paintwork
  • Ideal project candidate
  • Appears to be complete
  • Desirable 4.5-litre V8 model
  • Relatively low owners and miles

The Appeal

The R107 is an icon and stalwart of the classic car scene. Elegant and refined, they offer the kind of suave and timeless driving experience that Mercedes-Benz cars of the era were famed for.
This example has been off the road for a while, but offers a great opportunity to bring a stylish grand tourer in a rare specification back to life. With that legendary V8 drivetrain, it would make for a truly excellent cruiser. Whoever rescues this charming old car is sure to enjoy many years of sophisticated motoring once it’s completed.

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered in May 1979
  • Early R107 flagship model
  • 4 owners from new
  • Current registered owner since November 2000
  • Last MOT was in 2019, since then it has been laid up
  • Complete with the original owner’s handbook
  • Service record up to 98,176 miles
  • ULEZ and LEZ compliant
  • Historic vehicle status - tax and MOT exempt

The Interior

  • Cream half-cloth upholstery, mostly presented in good order with no significant damage
  • The beige cabin carpets have perished due to water ingress and will require replacement, as will the boot carpet which is quite stained
  • The Zebrano wood veneers all look to be in nice condition, considering the age and mileage of the vehicle
  • We’re told by the vendor that the electric windows all work well
  • The car features cruise control
  • All of the interior trim appears to be complete, although will all require some restoration

The Exterior

  • Rare Milan Brown Metallic paintwork, with some lacquer defects, marks and chips
  • Original 14” ‘Mexican Hat’ wheels, including the spare
  • The black fabric soft-top looks in good condition externally, with no evidence we could see of rips, although the inside is a little tatty and mould marked
  • Included is the removable hardtop, which looks to be in average condition, with some marks and scratches to the paintwork and corrosion under the rear trim, while the lining is mould marked and may require refurbishment
  • While the bodywork looks to be mostly solid and straight, there are a number of areas that are showing signs of corrosion, including the sills, inner wheel arches and the rear valance
  • Looking under the car, the underside looks straight and undamaged as far as could see, but most of the drivetrain components show some level of corrosion

The Mechanics

  • 4.5-litre atmospheric V8
  • Automatic transmission
  • The engine bay looks to be generally clean and tidy
  • We’re told by the vendor that there appears to be a fuel leak from the pump or filter
  • The car does not start consistently and once running doesn't respond well to the throttle being applied
  • It should be noted that this vehicle will require mechanical recommissioning before being returned to the road
  • The vendor tells us that the gearbox moves between forward and reverse nicely
  • The engine is currently misfiring and appears to have an exhaust blow

Summary

Perennially popular, the R107 makes for a very usable daily classic. Pretty, beautifully made and reliable, they’re more than capable of keeping up with modern traffic and are welcomed anywhere with open arms.
This example may have seen better days, but it makes for a superb opportunity to rescue what was, at the time of manufacture, the flagship of the SL range. Presented in a rare colour and apparently complete, it benefits from having relatively low owners and miles and would be the perfect project for this winter – ready to present at next year’s shows.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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Auction Details

  • Year1979
  • MakeMercedes
  • Model450SL R107
  • ColourRare Milan Brown Metallic
  • Odometer102,502 Miles
  • Engine size4500cc
  • Seller TypeTrade
  • TownSawbridgeworth
  • CountyHertfordshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

28 Bids

London1••••
Bid
£10,750
30/11/22
johnbro••••
Bid
£10,500
30/11/22
johnbro••••
Bid
£10,250
30/11/22
Burnsme••••
Bid
£10,000
30/11/22
johnbro••••
Bid
£9,900
30/11/22
Burnsme••••
Bid
£9,800
30/11/22
johnbro••••
Bid
£9,700
30/11/22
johnbro••••
Bid
£9,600
30/11/22
Burnsme••••
Bid
£9,500
30/11/22
johnbro••••
Bid
£9,400
30/11/22

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