Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

1980 Mercedes-benz 450sl - Chocolate Brown - An Excellent One on 2040-cars

US $8,500.00
Year:1980 Mileage:94400 Color: Chocolate Brown /
 Tan
Location:

Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
Transmission:Automatic
Body Type:Convertible
Vehicle Title:Clear
Engine:450 V-8
Fuel Type:GAS
For Sale By:Private Seller
Condition:
Used: A vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. ...
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
: 10704412061578
Year: 1980
Number of Cylinders: 8
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 400-Series
Trim: 2-door roadster + removable hardtop
Options: Removable hardtop, CD Player, Convertible
Drive Type: AT
Safety Features: Anti-Lock Brakes
Mileage: 94,400
Power Options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows
Sub Model: 450SL
Exterior Color: Chocolate Brown
Interior Color: Tan

 
        

"Driving a 450SL is like driving Cary Grant"    

    Cary Grant is for sale    

1980 Mercedes 450SL sports roadster in A-1 condition

         

Well cared for all its life; when it needed something, it got it.
Most recently, a pair of new Michelins in March.

Mileage 94,4nn
VIN 10704412061578
Next inspection, March 2014

I bought the car on eBay in 2005, and have most of the service records back to 1999.

It's former home was with a lawyer in Alexandria, VA, who sold it to buy a 560SL.

The car was never damaged, to my knowledge, and there's no sign of body or chassis repairs.

Like many people, after my first time behind the wheel of a 450SL I knew I'd own one of these magnificent automobiles.
When my kids grew up and I could afford it, I chose a 1980 because it was the best
of the 450SLs for technology and driving enjoyment.

There were 12 available on ebay when I was shopping and this was the best.

The 450SL was sold throughout the 1970s, and there are reasons to prefer the last one, the 1980.
For one thing, the heater and A/C are more reliable than in earlier models. Important for a daily driver. 

In 1980 they improved smog control on the 450 V8 motor. There are fewer sensors to fail and the exhaust is cleaner.

Also in 1980 Mercedes introduced the first electronic antilock braking system in the SL, the first ABS offered in the US.

A few 450SLs were fitted with a rear seat for kids and packages. This has one in matching tex leather upholstery.
It also has the removable hardtop, making it warm and comfy in winter.

Daily driver? One awesome feature is that it starts instantly, even after sitting in the garage for months.
I would drive this car cross country today without the slightest worry.
As far as I know it needs nothing that matters, or I'd do it.
It loves the highway, and everything is sound, solid, and properly maintained.
And on weekends, it loves the winding, twisting back roads of Virginia's rural counties.

Comes with a new protective car cover. Also a tonneau to cover the interior when the top is down.
A Kenwood KDC-122 stereo AM/FM/CD replaced the original Becker Mexico radio. It's a cranky radio.
I replaced the rear view mirror with the slightly wider one one from a 450SLC.

Rich, deep, chocolate brown paint (officially walnut), matching tops, tan upholstery.
Very presentable car has a few paint chips, and the clear coat isn't what it was in a couple of places.

What's not working right because I didn't bother:
Door lock vacuum has slow leak in passenger door; replacement parts came with the car
Windshield washer - motor works fine but its not getting power
Power radio antenna - have a replacement believed good
Clock

THERE ARE tens of thousands of 450SLs in the hands of collectors who love them, creating a large market for
top quality parts for this vehicle from multiple, competing sources. There's no problem finding reasonable prices
on parts and labor.

Since 1999, one or two things a year needed attention. Some were done by the former owner, some by me. 

Rebuilt the seats with new springs and padding
New vacuum system storage tank
New radiator
New sun visors
New seat belts
New blower motor cover & seal
All tune up parts
Replaced motor mounts (an MB fetish)
Both axle shaft assemblies
Starter
Muffler & pipes
Braking system rebuilt including parking brake
Water pump & thermostat
All belts

Roughly 14 jobs in 14 years plus tires, a battery, and two $40 sway bar links.
All it took to maintain a hand-picked Mercedes after 33 years.

Even after a winter unused in the garage it starts instantly, and that's joy, not exaggeration.

I love this car. I love driving it and taking it to car shows. I love the admiring comments.
So will you.         

    
Cary Grant in situ - auto show Sept. 14, 2013

The next 4 photos were in the 2005 ebay ad for the car.
Only visible difference from today is the sun visors were replaced.

     

     

     

       

These are new photos

                 

           

   

     

     

       

       

     

         
The screen in the air intake protects the air filter

         

           

           

             

     

       

       

         

The wire connects a solar panel to a battery maintainer - 100% maintenance-free all year
Included in a full price sale

         

There are two dings on the left rear fender

           

          

     

       

         

       

 

     

       

Manuals
When I own a car, I buy every factory manual for it there is. You never know what might be needed.

I spent close to $400 acquiring the ones below.
Also spent 2 years reading MB forums and printing out the best how-to tips on common jobs.

All the manuals come with the car.

  

   Fly in to CHO to get the car and I'll pick you up at the airport.
Arrive by Amtrak or bus and I'll get you at the depot.
Want me to drive it to you? We might arrange that.    


    Need more information? Use the Contact Seller link on this page.        
     
  ALL buyers can pay with Paypal or as arranged with seller
  
       

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Weekly Recap: Ferrari looks to reclaim old success with new manager

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