1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Roadster

The Mercedes-Benz SL line has long been an integral thread woven into the fabric of the three pointed star. Starting with the legendary 300 SL, and evolving to encompass a rich history of automotive style and sophistication, each generation appears to be defined by its era, with desirability a given across all eras. The R107, which was introduced in 1971, replaced the popular W113 Series that comprised of the 230 SL, 250 SL, and 280 SL. The R107 generation remarkably remained in production until 1989 with minimal changes throughout — an impressive feat, by both current production cycles and for the period. This car is a stunning representation of one of the most revered designs to from Mercedes Benz. This vehicle has been subjected to a complete OEM-spec restoration, which took place over the course of two years and was undertaken by one of the premier craftsmen in the Tri-State area: Wilson Park Custom Auto. The owner states the process was meticulous and painstaking, but it yielded the results you see here. Located in Pennsylvania, this car features a plethora of new parts, all of which have been sourced from the Mercedes Benz factory. With only 1,179 miles driven since restoration, the owner tells us they’re confident the vehicle could compete in and win at both local and regional shows.

Exterior and Interior

No stone was left unturned in the meticulous restoration of this Mercedes-Benz R107 450 SL. This car was stripped down to the bare metal, before being treated to no fewer than eight coats of paint, including a White Cream sealed base coat, and clear coat. The owner notes that the hardtop roof was installed during the painting process to ensure a perfect match. The level of detail applied to the exterior meant that the fragile and often pitted moldings have been replaced with factory parts to ensure the highest level of quality. This includes all new chrome, moldings (including the door and side runner moldings), bumpers, rubber pieces, lighting assemblies, emblems, and wheels — all are brand new. Since the restoration, the vehicle has been stored in a garage, and undercover, with the seller proudly reporting that the car has never seen rainwater. The concourse theme continues to the interior, which sees many new components. Air conditioning and climate controls are from the factory, with a complete factory interior installed, including wood trim, trunk trim, and a brand new convertible top. The seller reports that the passenger seat hasn’t ever been sat in, such is the factory fresh extent of this loving restoration. The cabin is finished by a beautifully period Mahogany stainless 3-Spoke steering wheel from Nardi.

Engine

The R107 debuted a V8 engine in a Mercedes Benz convertible. The engine was a requirement to counter the 3,400 pound heft and was available in a variety of choices, from a 3.5-liter to a 5.6-liter. As the name implies, the 1980 450 SL got a 4.5-liter V8 with over 220 hp. The car featured has been regularly maintained, with annual preventative maintenance including oil, filter, and belt replacements. The seller proudly reports that the car starts at the turn of a key, with zero cranking! In addition to all mechanicals getting a thorough work over during the restoration process, the transmission has been completely rebuilt for even greater peace of mind.