1980 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL

Highlights

• Powerfully wafty V8 engine
• Retrimmed interior
• Excellent Silver Blue Metallic paint
• MOT, Road Tax, and ULEZ exempt
• Suspension serviced

Overview

Introduced in 1979, the Mercedes-Benz R107 had a long life, being produced for 18 years until finally being withdrawn in 1989. So this is the car which strides confidently across both the 1970s and 80s. It remains unashamedly of its time, and yet it is still a thoroughly usable everyday car today. Perhaps that’s why we’re beginning to see examples such as this one popping up in cities where clean air zones have pushed out plenty of other cars — as well as the 40-year tax and MOT exemption.

This particular SL is the kind of car which would have caused a stir when it was new, rumbling past with its V8 engine burbling away. It remains utterly capable in modern traffic and looks superb with its chrome trim complementing the metallic blue paint. This car has benefitted from a new set of leather seat covers and carpets to bring the interior up to a high standard, so it is a very pleasant place to spend a long journey.

Mechanically, the car has received some extensive work to its suspension in recent years, as well as attention to a few areas of body panels on the underside. So it is now presented in very good order, ready to be driven and enjoyed. All you need to do is decide whether you’ll be fitting the hardtop or the soft top.

History and documentation

• Registered 1 Mar 1980
• Invoices on file from the early 80s showing the car’s early servicing
• More recent service invoices from 2022
• Collection of old MOT certificates
• Handwritten correspondence from previous owners
• MOT and Road Tax exempt
• The most recent MOT expired in Oct 2011
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ exempt

Interior

• Light blue leather seat upholstery and matching carpets
• The seller tells us that the seat covers and the carpets have both been replaced in 2024
• The seats are still looking fresh and tidy
• Carpets retain a deep pile and are very neat
• The door cards are very good, with only a little light scuffing to be found
• Wood-rimmed steering wheel
• The vendor informs us that all the interior features work as they should do
• Electric windows
• Veneered dashboard trim, with good lacquer only showing a few small cracks
• Analogue instruments
• Stereo/CD player
• The rear seats fold down for extra luggage storage
• Hardtop headlining clean and tidy
• To the rear, the spacious boot is fully carpeted
• Full size spare alloy wheel stowed under boot floor

Exterior

• Finished in Silver Blue Metallic paint, this 450 looks great from any angle
• Comes with both hardtop and soft, for your choice of open air motoring or cosseting coupe
• The paint looks very good throughout, with a few small scuffs and scratches to be found
• Body panels in excellent shape throughout, with good lines and gaps
• No obvious dents, damage or corrosion that we could see
• The original 15-hole alloy wheels have been replaced with newer five-spoke wheels
• Rims look to be free from scuffs and kerb damage
• The tyres retain good tread
• Chrome bumpers in excellent condition
• Factory fitted headlamp washers and wipers
• Soft top roof in dark blue, with only a few light signs of use
• The rear windows of the soft top are a little clouded
• Underneath, the car looks very clean
• The front left jacking point and the right hand side of the boot floor have been repaired

Mechanical

• 4,520 cc V8 petrol engine
• Produces 219 bhp and 278 lb ft
• Top speed 135 mph
• Three-speed automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel drive
• Engine bay clean and tidy
• Underneath, the suspension components all look very good
• Recent work in 2022 included new front subframe bushes, reconditioned power steering box, new upper suspension arms, front and rear brake pads, and more
• The seller assures us that the car starts, runs, and stops as it should do, and the V8 engine sounds good
• No mechanical issues reported

Summary

Mercedes of this period have an excellent reputation for build quality and engineering. They have a dedicated following, and it’s easy to see why. They’re a true classic which can still be enjoyed like a modern car. And this one has a V8 under the bonnet.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in London.