So now that I am 50 - A 1973 450SLC shows up - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Texholdem · #31 06-24-2007, 11:55 AM

I had a 1979 350 SLC long time ago from 1995-1998. As I bought it in Germany the car was just 16 years old and I paid only $7K (at dollar rate then).
$10K for a 34 year old 450 SLC is way too much IMO. Other issue to consider is whether you need/want a 4-seater or not. I bought my car then because we had kids but I always eyeballed and envied other W107 two-seater SL.

The SL are sleeker, smaller, lighter, more aerodynamic and for $10K one can get 1982-1985 ones with no problems.
I would do a search on ebay for W107 SL and SLC to get an idea about the price.
Anyway I would not pay that much, the condition is not that great as you described.

69coupe · #32 06-24-2007, 05:59 PM

I have no affiliation with this seller ...
1972 450SL for sale

cth350 · #33 06-24-2007, 10:44 PM

I concur on that LA 450. Fly out business class with your wife and drive back in style over a plesant week on the road. -CTH

meltedpanda · #34 06-25-2007, 08:41 PM

I offered 5K he countered with 6500, I would consider but the actual mileage and no service history have me concerned. I am going with 5500 max
BTW took her out for a spin, lots of nice power, but it is apparent it needs the masters touch..............

,

Texholdem · #35 06-25-2007, 08:56 PM

Waiting for the outcome. If you get it, please post more and bigger pictures.

Jim B. · #36 06-25-2007, 09:02 PM

Sounds like you are getting close to a "deal", it can be said it was a fair deal for both sides if, in the end, if BOTH sides walk away slightly UNhappy.

Tomguy · #37 06-25-2007, 09:51 PM

I guess that's true. I was a bit unhappy that after I took my newly-aquired 300M to get inspected it needed brakes (and the guy said he had them "just done"), and he was upset at how cheaply I got it from him for.

I guess you can't win them all?

meltedpanda · #38 06-27-2007, 11:54 AM

OK the deal did not go through, Soooooooooo, because I have the go ahead, just took a chance and called my local body shop guy who has spent the last 2 years restoring a 72 450SL and asked, just asked if he would be willing to part with it, he said YES

This guy is tops in his game, his work is perfect
This car is spotless, as near concurs as it can get and still feel comfortable driving it. It has been restored to perfection, rag top tight, has hard top new, german leather seats, new carpets, no rust , underside clean as a whistle, runs fantastic, all new calipers, brakes, tires , basically a ground up restoration. Brand new floor pans ( MB original) engine frame recall in place with MB stickers still apparent. Full service history since new, as well as documented restoration (pictures included)
The steering is phenominal, now I know what they are suppose to feel like
I must have this car and it is in my price range ( well pretty close

)
Comments please, what about the 72 450SL, quick, my 50 year old blood pressure can't handle the suspense!

Jim B. · #39 06-27-2007, 01:28 PM

If it's a rust free turnkey restored one, with ALL records, and you can afford it, and you like the color, and liked driving it, I would unhesitatingly buy it. Since all the work has been already done on the car, you won't have to do anything but drive and enjoy the car. Sounds like an easy decision to me, especially with a trusted seller a price you can live wsith, and all records from new and documentation of restoration, like the "perfect storm" of circumstances to buy one, with little chance for nasty surprises later

Buying a fully restored car is almost ALWAYS cheaper than buying a car and restoring it yourself, so that puts you ahead of the game.....

A few of them came with the 3.5 engine in 1972, but were discontinued due to problems meeting the US emissions. They were called the 350SL and sometimes were badged the 450SL 3.5, there are stories around about how the selling dealers provided the badging so the customer could fit what he liked.

'72 was the first year for these, so your car would have the very pretty slender bumpers, matching color hubcaps, and no catalytic converters.
The cast iron 450 motor is very robust, and the car would last you a long time and to high miles, as the MB quality was VERY high back then.

Most of these cars weren't beat on, and many led pampered lives as second or third cars in the families of the owners, as they are just 2 seaters.

Many were coveted and acquired by females as fashion accessories, and saw duty cruising to the Palm Springs Tennis Club, Polo Lounge of the Beverly Hills Hotel, Scarsdale, the Hamptons, West Palm Beach and places like that.

Now they are becoming collectors cars, and after a very long model run (1972-1989) they have withstood the test of time, and are generally acclaimed as very durable, long lived "Panzerwagens", more of a high speed long distance cruiser than a balls to the wall sports car.

If you buy it, there is lots of parts availability and support for them, and you are instantly in a large and enthusiastic cult, if you have that interest, and you'll be driving an instantly recognizeable classic Mercedes; for a practical 2 seater Benz, (if you call 2 seaters practical!), this is the one to get!

After you take it home, start shopping for a good hardtop hoist or hardtop stand for the car.

see also: www.oursl.com and www.slmarket.com for more information.

Most people like the look of these cars so much better than the 450SLC, and this is yet another reason to get it. Just be sure you can live with the leg and shoulder and elbow room, it is a bit cramped for some people.

You said it has leather seats. You might contemplate a set of fitted 2 piece premium sheepskins from a place like www.ramsheadusa ( I got mine there)
to save wear on the leather whilst giving you the coolness in summer and warmth in winter leather can't. I bought from them, and while they were supposed to last 6 years, I had them for ten and they are still going strong.

alabbasi · #40 06-27-2007, 01:32 PM

It sounds like a winner, I was always under the impression that the 350SL and 450SL all came with 4.5 litre engines for the US spec cars.

The 4.5 litre engine of that vintage with the EFI is pretty powerful at 225hp. It should be quite fun to drive.

Now go buy it and send some pictures.

meltedpanda · #41 06-27-2007, 02:12 PM

Gotcha, I am going to do it, it is turnkey and a sweet find, as soon as I can get my schedule clear to make the deal I will get her home and post pictures, anyone looking for a restored 71 220?, Libby has got to go, no room and I just can't part with my SD.
Jim I am a little tiny guy so I felt lost in the big cockpit, no problem with being cramped with me
Thanks and will keep you all posted. When I get her I will probably post in the SL forum here , but will let you all know as well