1980 Mercedes Benz 450SL
The R107 chassis is one of the most beloved Mercedes SLs ever -- and for good reason. Built for a scarcely believable 18 years between 1971 and 1989, the R107 was available with a long list of engine and trim options, but the classic shape and world-class build quality were both constants. This 1980 450SL is a beautiful example of the marque and is special for having been under the care of just two owners from new. Originally sold in Southern California, the consignor purchased the car from his friend- the original owner, 20 years ago, at which point it came up to live in the greater Seattle area.
Finished in Maple Yellow, and believed to be its original paint, this color bridges the gap from the paint palette of the 1970s, and what was to come for the 1980s. As an original US market example, this car is fitted with the diving board bumpers, as well as dual headlamps up front. Sitting on its original 14-inch "Bundt" aluminum wheels, this car's aesthetic is perfect with large sidewall tires offering a supremely comfortable ride. One of the things that separated the R107 SL in period was that, unlike most convertible cars, every SL of this generation came with both a fabric soft top, and a removable metal hardtop. This made the car infinitely more usable year round and when the hard top was on, it turned your roadster into a fantastic looking coupe.
The interior is wrapped in Bamboo MB-Tex- which is Mercedes' patented hard wearing leather-like vinyl that looks basically brand new in this car. This is paired with tan carpeting and glossy dark burl wood trim on the center console and a small strip of the dashboard. A Becker Grand Prix AM/FM Cassette stereo system remains original and it should be no surprise that, as a proper luxury car, this SL also has power windows, power locks and automatic climate control. In typical Mercedes fashion, very clear, legible VDO gauges sit directly in front of the driver with a centrally placed 85 mph speedometer- which in itself is a real throw back to the early 80s.
Under the hood sits a stout 4.5-liter V8 known as the M117, which is rated at 160 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. In the 450SL, Bosch's K-Jetronic fuel injection was fitted- which is more commonly referred to as CIS or Continuous Injection System and is known for being reliable and is a known quantity for servicing. This engine is then connected to a 3-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. Although these SLs were never designed as lightweight sports cars that you would race up a mountain road in, they can hold their own and provide more than enough power to confidently overtake a slower moving vehicle, or light up the rear tires if you so choose.
Regardless of era, the Mercedes Benz SL has always been one of the ultimate status symbols, representing success and taste. This generation has now turned the corner and is a full blown classic that is appreciated by car collectors and enthusiasts of all ages. There aren't many of these cars left with just two owners from new, and this one is in exceptional shape throughout, making it a truly unique vehicle.
Key Features
- 4.5-Liter V8
- 160 Horsepower
- 230 Lb-Ft of Torque
- Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection
- 3-Speed Automatic Gearbox
- Removable Hardtop
- Dark Brown Soft Top
- Hard Top Cover
- Hard Top Stand
- 2-Owners From New
- Original 14" Bundt Wheels
- Becker Grand Prix
- Automatic Climate Control
- BDO Instrumentation
Additional Information
- Car Cover
- Hard Top Stand
- Hard Top Cover
- Owners Manual
- Service Invoices
- Purchase Docs
For more information on this 1980 Mercedes Benz 450SL or any of our High-Performance, Luxury, Exotic, Classic, and Special Interest cars always in stock, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants or always feel free to drop by our 40,000+ sq ft of Indoor Showrooms in Bellevue, WA - Home of an Exciting Inventory of Luxury, Exotic, High Performance and Collectible Automobiles. Nobody Has What We Have!
