Suisse, La Chaux-de-Fonds
Chassis number: 10 704 41205 8 7 28** **- Veteran appraisal: End of August
- Veteran expertise: End of August 2023.
**- 2+2 homologated seats
The ideal collector's car?
This elegant Mercedes Benz 450 SL is now for sale, decked out in a superb color combination and in remarkable condition. It will take you anywhere with class, comfort and reliability on the road, reflecting the prestige of its German heritage. This jewel has known only two owners, each of whom made it a point of honor to cherish and preserve it. Today, it remains in its original condition. This car was so robust and reliable that it earned the nickname "Der Panzerwagen".
History
This Mercedes has a rich history. Purchased in 2002 by the current owner in California from the original purchaser, it bears witness to a passion for fine mechanical engineering. Following its purchase, it underwent a complete mechanical overhaul by Mercedes-Benz in California. After many miles on American roads, it arrived in Switzerland in 2004, and received a fresh coat of paint in Le Locle in 2013. For the past 10 years, she has enjoyed the Spanish sun, driving only in fine weather. Today, it's back in Switzerland, ready to seduce a new owner after a complete overhaul in preparation for its appraisal. This vehicle has never been driven in snow.
Major overhauls
In the USA:
- Interior console redone
- Leathers revised and cared for
- Headlights replaced
- Complete engine overhaul
- Water pump replaced
- Timing gear overhauled
- Chrome replaced
- Air conditioning replaced
- Brakes (discs, calipers, pads) completely overhauled
In Switzerland:
- Exterior paintwork in 2013
- Belts changed in 2020
- Conversion of air conditioning to Swiss R134 gas standards
In 2022:
- Rear suspension rods replaced
Recently (summer 2023) at Mercedes-Benz in Spain:
- Air-conditioning overhaul
- All fluids replaced (differential, gearbox oil, engine oil)
- Steering dampers changed
- New battery
Details
- The original steering wheel is sold with the vehicle.
- The car is currently equipped with 4 original chrome wheels with summer tires. Another set of MB rims, more modern and also with summer tires, is included with the vehicle.
- The hard-top is available with its support.
- Equipped with a catalytic converter, the car runs on 95 unleaded petrol.
Vehicle condition
Externally, it's virtually spotless, with a resplendent paint finish. Only slight scratches are visible on some chromes. Slight traces of scratches are visible around the soft-top attachment points. The soft top is in perfect condition, as is the hard top. Some photos show the soft top untensioned, as we didn't have the soft top keys at the time of photography.
Inside, the meticulously-maintained leathers look almost new. The dashboard is in excellent condition, with only a slight detachment of the wooden contour of the air-conditioning control.
Mechanically, it is beyond reproach, regularly maintained by its two sole owners. No leaks, seepage or rust to report. It's a near-perfect vehicle, ready to roll without a care in the world.
**Viewing and test drive of this Mercedes Benz 450 SL are possible, please make an appointment by calling us directly.
**Note: This information has been provided by the seller and we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
History of the model
A masterpiece of automotive design
Launched in the 1970s, the Mercedes-Benz 450 SL quickly became a much-loved classic among luxury car enthusiasts. Part of the iconic R107 series, it symbolizes the transition of Mercedes design from the W113 model to a new era of innovation.
In 1971, the automotive world marveled at the birth of the 450 SL. Following on from the success of the 350 SL, the 450 SL was not just a new name, but a redefinition of the luxury roadster. Its unmistakable design epitomized German luxury. The interior demonstrated unique craftsmanship in terms of finish and quality, making this roadster a benchmark in terms of luxury and performance.
The V8 engine used in the SL first equipped the S-Class and rightly earned a reputation for rugged robustness. It has proved extremely competitive in international rallies. Piloted by rallying greats Bjorn Waldegaard, Hannu Mikkola and Ingvar Carlsson, the Coupés won a series of victories and podiums in some of the world's toughest endurance rallies, e.g. the 1980 Bandama Rally, where Waldegaard again claimed victory.
With such a reliable model, Mercedes was clearly aiming to rival the Jaguar Type-E Series III and the XJ-S, both with the V12 engine.
Today, this Mercedes-Benz 450 SL remains a jewel for collectors, a perfect example of Mercedes' mastery in combining style, performance and innovation. For any car enthusiast, it is a masterpiece of a bygone era, but never forgotten.
We can be reached by email [email protected] or by phone +41 79 516 03 44.