1974 Mercedes Benz 450sl Collector Garaged on 2040-cars

VIN: 10704412020048 Year: 1974
Number of Cylinders: 8
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: SL-Class
Trim: convertible 2 doors
Options: Leather Seats, Convertible
Drive Type: RWD
Power Options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows
Mileage: 103,500
Exterior Color: Coffee
Interior Color: Tan

Condition: UsedA 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.Seller Notes:"See description"

1974 Mercedes Benz 450SL Collector grade

I rescued this car from oblivion after 13 years of non operational status at a local
barn. It belonged to the wife of a well known car and military vehicle collector and was always well kept.
 I have all purchase documents and invoices for repairs from day one and as of today the car needs nothing, although it is not perfect.
For the past nine months I have used the car almost everyday to go to work and also pleasure driving on weekends.
The reason I am selling it is for lack of proper storage and under this beautiful California sun
the finish, chrome and interior will go to waste soon... and this car should be in a collection.

As expected, I found the fuel tank ruined but the engine turned and the repairs began. The tank
was rebuilt and all the fuel lines, filter,fuel sender and pump were replaced. Injectors were cleaned, radiator
flushed, thermostat and water pump replaced, belts, sparks,ignition wires and distributor too. All fluids,
filters and a new battery got the car running again, not cheaply as parts and labor for these cars is expensive.

During its first decade of use a set of beautiful Tru-Spoke wheels was installed but unfortunately,
after sitting for such a long time at least one of the wheels got out of true. The good news is that
the original steel set and hubs were preserved in boxes and so they look today close to new. I was told the
True-Spoke wheels can be repaired for about $75 each in Los Angeles, in case the buyer should also be interested
in them, after all, they are period correct and look great on the car. The car appears to be 100% original.
The lady that sold me this car said it is the original Brown Coffee paint. I have checked and checked for paint
overspray and found nothing. The windshield  looks so clean and pit free it does not look like a 103K miles car.
I found sheep covers on the seats, took them to my Dry Cleaners and put them away- no need to tell you how the
seats look.... and no the dash is not cracked, neither the soft top window. The drivers side window has a new
electric motor. New lights switch knob.

Now let me explain the known issues and my general impression of this car. There are two small chips that can
 be touched up: one close to the fuel cap and another close to the water jet on the hood, see pics. The leather on the
lid covering the soft top when down has a small tear that can be stretched and repositioned and be unnoticeable.

At the beginning, the car was pulling a bit to the left when braking. A tie rod was replaced and the problem was
corrected. Alignment and new tires were also done. The brake fluid was replaced but the rotors and pads were fine.
There is a slight vibration on the brake pedal when you brake hard at high speed but not noticeable during normal driving.

This is a luxury car with a rather soft suspension. The weight transfer is marked at higher speeds and hard braking
and cornering. It has been called a tank for a reason. It is heavy and well built. It is also a bit
tough on fuel. For these reasons I do not recommend this car as a first car or for spirited driving unless you
know what you are doing. In my opinion it perfect as a second or collection car.

Shocks and suspension components are original and show signs of wear on some bushings but still fine.

The car is a pleasure to drive once you know the car. It took me a couple of months to understand and drive the car the way
it was intended to be driven. When is hot outside, although the A/C was serviced,for some reason takes a long 5
minutes just to begin blowing cold. But when I drive through the vineyards and beaches with the top
down is quite a different story. With its wheels and white wall tires at once it is recognized to be an excellent example of
a well preserved vintage Mercedes, and always gets compliments everywhere I take it.

 The sun visors are whole but sagging a litthe due to the foam material deteriorating inside. I thought of injecting
glue onto them since buying new ones is prohibitive.

Everything works, auto antenna, radio AM/FM, defrost on hard top, cruise, fog lights. The ashtray and lighter have never been used but I have
smoked cigars in it, but nobody can tell. I also sometimes take one of my pugs for a ride on a cushion placed behind the seats which happens
to be perfect for a small dog. You could find a hair or two stuck somewhere, but not likely. The one thing that could bother anyone is the fuel
smell on the trunk still present after many months out of storage and the truth is, sometimes is anoying.

I would like this car to be kept and improved upon by someone with a collector's spirit for this one is worth it. And these cars are poised
to increase in value, I've been told and I believe it, specially older ones in this condition. I understand this is the first generation
of fuel injection SL450s.

Door and trunk seals have seen better days but are still funtional. Passenger side window will leak a small squirt of water
if the car is washed under pressure, nothing bad just dry'n'go. Trunk was pushed down too hard and shows slight depression on top. Hard
top and trunk show slight discoloration and need polishing, this is not noticeable when the car is waxed. Small ding on bumper
close to front licence plate area, barely noticeable. Mats ok. and original but foam underside coming apart from old age. Engine Oil
 pressure gauge is high and healthy but tachometer has a false contact somewhere as it usually jumps during normal driving.
 Clock works and keeps time. A/C vents were cleaned, heater and levers all perfect. The vacuum door lock tubing was plugged as it
has a leak located on driver's door hinge. I fixed this leak and only made it worse by locking the passenger side door halfway,
 therefore it's better without.

 Chrome everywhere in excellent condition. There is a hard top frame holder and pulley to hang on ceiling for storage.

V8 Engine purrs like a kitten without a drop of oil anywhere and has to attain operating temperature or transmission feels impulsive (sudden)
when shifting at first run of the day when oil is cold. A friend told me he had one of these and these engines can really
get to 300K miles. Timing chain replacement was documented at about 90K miles. Transmission was serviced and selector knob adjusted tight.

For California buyers, this car is smog equipped but is not needed for registration. California blue plate, rust free and looking good.
All repairs done locally by a MB tech you can speak to and confirm in his own words he has no seen a sharper one. The car could be at a MB
dealer's showroom with little further work, no joke.

I will consider local reasonable offers and sell abroad. I prefer wire transfers, cashier's check or good old cash (sorry no paypal) and
encourage the buyer viewing and driving the car or through a representative. I can keep the car clean and full of fuel for one month after the date of the sale, thereafter if not
picked up, for security reasons will be placed on storage at new owner's expense.

 

Here she is ready for fun, or work, or show, 40 more years, just be fair and make sure I get at least my investment, I deserve it.
I have seen these go for $25K on auction but who cares. You may  submit your best offer.  Nothing else to say...

Thank you for your consideration.