My '72 is a bit newer, by serial number, but still a "1972 350SL 4.5." This is printed on the cover of the original factory manual in the glove box. The engines are 450s with a rated 230 HP in 71/72, but less in the '73s, I believe they had to re-rate them on a different measuring standard in '73. My trunk badge says 350SL, but all I have read says the dealers swapped them out for 450SL badges when the cars came in for the first service. I have a ratty old 450SL badge in with the original headlights (have euro-style installed) which would bear this out. The PO obviously rounded up and installed an original 350SL badge to return it to as-delivered condition.

Only thing I dislike is the needlessly complex heater vent system...why micro-switches and solenoids when simple cables would work fine, and this is the "simple" system not like the later ACC rubbish...go figure. Great car otherwise, I understand why it is nicknamed "panzer."

230/8