1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

on a site other than GarageKeptMotors.com, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of this vehicle due to website limitations. To be sure you access all our more than 185 photographs, as well as a short walk-around-and-startup video, please go to our main website: GarageKeptMotors.)

“The Mercedes SL continues to age gracefully, solidifying a design that was destined to become classic, or perhaps even timeless.” -AutoMoments YouTube Review

The R107-body Mercedes SL had a remarkable 17-year run, from 1972 to 1989. While specifications and options changed over that time, the car's basic design remained. And its appeal as a collectible open-air grand tourer to this day underscores why pretty much everyone agrees, it's a real German classic. A careful look at the 1980 example offered here bears that out.

This 450SL in silver over blue leather displays what 40 years of competent, consistent maintenance of fine German machinery can result in, namely a luxury sport drop-top that would look as at home today parked in front of a country club or in a fancy restaurant's valet line as it did forty years ago. Not only is the car a classic, this particular color combination—with either its painted hard top, or its blue-fabric convertible top in place—really is stunning. The car's exterior body panels and brightwork all exhibit excellent surface condition with only minor surface rust showing behind the front wheels. Panel alignment is factory-straight. All glass—windshield, headlights, and mirrors—is crack-free, as are the brake and indicator light lenses. The emblems, including the flush-mounted hood emblem, front-grille emblem, and model-identification rear-deck emblems are all in place and in good condition

The 4.5-liter V8 engine runs smoothly, obviously benefitting from maintenance documented by a sheaf of shop invoices included with the car, as well as owner-performed servicing with the assistance of the Haynes repair manual, also included. The engine compartment is tidy with all proper components in place. Underneath, other than modest surface rust characteristic of a 40 year-old automobile, there is no evidence of structural issues or shortcomings.

Inside, the SL really shines. There's just something special about leather from Mercedes, never more appealing than in this lovely dark-blue shade. Seen against the silver body paint, the combination is classic (there's that word again!) There are two shortcomings in this car's interior. First is the condition of the wood surrounding the shifter on the center console. The finish has succumbed to too much sun. Fortunately, a replacement wood trim piece is readily available, as indeed are parts for the car generally given its long production run and many loyal owners today. Second, in the same way, the passenger-compartment carpeting is slightly sun-faded. New carpeting sets are also available, or the owner might choose re-dyeing since the carpeting is not unduly worn.

Also noteworthy in the interior is the period-correct Becker “Mexico” AM FM radio. The bucket seat upholstery is free of rips or tears, as is the matching door-card upholstery, and the handsome chrome seat supports are in excellent condition. (The driver-side door-sill trim piece is cracked and should be replaced.) Gauges have not suffered color fading, and all lenses are clear. Switchgear—including air-conditioning controls—operates as it should. The trunk and spare-tire area are clean and tidy.

While the more than 185 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors website showcase this 450SL in detail, we encourage in-person inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. Please call to arrange an appointment in advance, or get in touch by phone or email if you have any questions.

In its day, owning this Mercedes SL communicated its owner's success, attention to detail, and appreciation of German quality and the good things in life. It still does.