1974 Mercedes 450SL Configuration/Condition Questions

[ColLonewolf]

Found a deal on a 74 450 SL. The owner states that it has a 278ci V-8, and a 150K for miles. My conversion figuring is not so good but does this sound like the right engine for this vehicle? He also list a few issues that I have listed bellow. Does this sound like a deal or a money pit. I know there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes but what am I looking at on a vehicle of this type/model? Anything else I should be concerned about? Thank you for your time and efforts.



1974 Mercedes 450sl, first year mass production for the 450sl, good condition, both soft top and hard top, Blaupunkt stereo, ABS Custom wheels, 278ci V-8, at, ac, electric windows, complete. 150K + miles. $2500 or possible trade

I've had the Mercedes 4 years. I bought it from a couple in North Carolina. They were the 2nd owners and knew the person they got it from. They had several maintenance documents, I'll try to attach copies with the pics.


The engine looks bigger than 278ci but that is what it says on the engine compartment plaque. It does have a chunk of paint off the hood, a small amount of rust around the headlights and some paint off of the gas filler door.(see pics) The title is a clean title in my name. To my knowledge, the car has never been wrecked, no signs of different color paint or overspray in the engine compartment or door jams. The soft top is new but has a 1" tear in the passenger side. It has an a/c compressor but I haven't ever had it working.


At present, it needs a fuel pressure regulator or fuel adjustment of some kind. It burns very rich. I have to unplug the fuel sensor on the top of engine to get it running. It will not start and run if the sensor is plugged in.