1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

This 450SL was first registered in May 1978 and is a UK-specification example of Mercedes’ range-topping flagship model of the time powered by a 4520cc V8 with a 3-speed automatic gearbox, removable hard-top and factory-optional air conditioning and electric windows.

When new the bomb-proof Merc 4.5-litre V8 delivered 222bhp and would be capable of a top speed of 135mph. Built for cruising comfort rather than dynamic performance, the R107 has a 90-litre petrol tank, good for over 400 miles of motorway driving.

Understood to have been left neglected for several years prior to current ownership it has no prior history. However, it has been fully restored over the last year or two. The vendor’s plan was to keep it (and his wife certainly likes it) but, with other Mercedes cars in long term ownership which suit his needs better, it is sadly a case of “last in, first out” for the R107 to make more space.

The car’s bodywork appears straight and true and looks rather handsome and refined in its newly applied but original “schwarz” paint. No paintwork is ever perfect, there will always be something that a perfectionist could point to, but for most the finish on this car is as good as can be. Panel gaps and shut lines appear good too, better than many classic cars of this period.

The tan fabric hood - similar in colour to the interior - is a new replacement and has been fitted well over the original folding frame. The car also comes with its original hardtop. Although listed on the V5C as silver, it is currently painted black (as it would have been originally) but it wasn’t resprayed in the recent restoration work.

The chrome trim and other brightwork around the car were also dealt with during the restoration works and all appear highly polished and in good order with no discernable pitting or scratching.

The original 14-inch “Mexican hat” alloy wheels have been refurbished and are very sound showing no obvious scuffs or scrapes. They were refitted with matching Falken HR tyres in 2018.

Whilst inspections in person are still not a straightforward endeavour, why not use the ‘Contact Seller’ option and get in touch with the vendor. You could arrange for either photos of specific features you’d like to see or even a video call to discuss things real time.

The replacement “MB Tex” vinyl seats and door trims appear in good condition. The seats are comfortable, carpets and floor mats clean and tidy, under floors rust free, and all trims intact and well presented. The dash appears sound with no evident cracks, as does the centre console vinyl trim, although in a slightly different colour of beige to the rest of the interior. The wood-veneered panels are starting to crack in places, as they do on most R107s, so this may be something to address in time but they are not urgent.

The Blaupunkt Montreal cassette/radio is not original to this SL but is of a type fitted to Mercedes cars during the mid to late ‘80s, so doesn’t look incongruous. The air conditioning system has been overhauled and regassed and works well, with all other electrics reported as functioning correctly.

The manual hood mechanism operates nicely and the fabric hood folds away flat underneath the body-coloured tonneau panel. Once the folding roof is stowed the hard top can be carefully slotted into place - possible when done solo but safer and easier with two people.

The door seals on both sides have started to perish and split, so could do with being replaced if the car is ever likely to get caught out in the rain regularly.

The engine bay is very tidy and has been repainted body colour and silver so is not at all rusty. The vendor reports that the bulkhead is free from rust (water down the windscreen drains to the road rather than the footwell) a common problem area with the model. The engine and main components are clean and many ancillaries have been renewed or replaced - all appears very strong under the bonnet - which itself is tidy too and fitted with a sound-deadening lining.

The undersides and wheel arches of this car also present extremely well with good Wurth underseal treatments. The stone chip paint under the door sills was applied a little over enthusiastically in one or two places but nothing that will upset a likely owner. All suspension parts were refurbished or replaced during the restoration and a new exhaust system has been fitted.

In the boot, the carpets and linings present very well for this age of car and under the floor panel there is a full sized “Mexican hat” spare wheel with rubber of the same age and spec as the running wheels. The boot lid itself and all hinges and catches show in a very good condition along with a new weather seal around the opening.

Please take some time to look through the gallery of photos detailing the condition of the undersides and all other areas. Should you require a closer look or any clarification, use the ‘Contact Seller’ function on this page.

The most significant work done of late was the full strip down, rebuild and repaint at Erik Gorter Classics in Shefford, Bedfordshire in 2018 - a bill just shy of £20,000 but which included the purchase of the car itself. An invoice detailing the work done and all the new or replacement parts used is included in the gallery.

Almost nothing is known about the car prior to the restoration in current ownership although there is a partial online MOT history which seems to validate the mileage - very little of which has been done in the past decade. There are a few gaps in dates suggesting that the car was off the road in between - but nothing of note - the only recent failure was in 2009 but that was related to lamps not working with a simple advisories on light corrosion to the front lower suspension components.

This Merc’s last MOT expired in March 2019 and although exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it retested at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MOT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic car, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner and any subsequent purchasers but is also invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies.

The car comes with one set of keys, original sales brochure, a new owner’s manual and new service booklet with just the one recent service stamp.

The vendor reports that the car drives very well and wafts along with an effortless power delivery from the engine and a smooth gear change. The brakes are very good and the new suspension gives sharper handling.

Whilst black R107s are by no means rare, it is not one of the more common colour schemes and this helps to set this car apart from others. This is a great-looking, powerful car with strong mechanicals and solid coachwork - a convertible cruiser that anyone would be proud to own.

We’ve sold many R107 models over the last few years and in this condition, anticipating little or no further expenditure, we would expect this handsome 450SL to reach somewhere between £15,000 and £20,000.

This particular car is located with the vendor just outside Bedford - please use the ‘Contact Seller’ option to get in touch with him. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Footman James for classic car insurance Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car and AnyVan for transporting it.

BORING, but IMPORTANT: Please note that whilst we at The Market always aim to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available, we cannot claim they are perfect analyses of any of the vehicles for sale. We offer far greater opportunity for bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding than traditional auctions, and we never stop encouraging bidders to take advantage of this. We do take a good look at the vehicles delivered to our premises for sale, but this only results in our unbiased personal observations, not those of a qualified inspector or other professional, or the result of a long test drive.

Additionally, please note that most of the videos on our site have been recorded using simple cameras which often result in 'average' sound quality; in particular, engines and exhausts notes can sound a little different to how they are in reality.

Please note that this is sold as seen and that, as is normal for used goods bought at auction, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. See our FAQs for more info, and feel free to inspect any vehicle as much as you wish.