Mercedes Benz 450SL 1980

Description

We have enjoyed this Mercedes convertible for the past 7 years or so. I bought this car when my wife and I were first dating, and we drove it often. We were living in South Carolina at the time, and the Mercedes saw trips as far away as Washington, D.C.; always reliable, and always comfortable. When we got married, the 450SL joined us on our honeymoon- we spent 5 memorable days driving up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. (Some pictures of this are below.) And when we decided to move up to Maryland, the Mercedes came with us. Now, with a new addition to our family, our little 2-seater isn't being driven as much as it used to be, and as much as we have enjoyed this car and have many great memories with it, we realize it is time to find it a new home.
When we bought this 450SL in Charlotte, NC, it came with a folder of receipts from the prior owner, who kept very good care of the car. The air conditioning system had recently been serviced and still blows nice and cold. The engine starts up immediately, and I have replaced the spark plugs, wires, air cleaner, etc and changed the oil and filter on a regular basis. I had a Mercedes shop overhaul the entire brake system, with new calipers, rotors, lines, pads, etc. The car stops better than any car I have ever driven. New tires and a new battery were installed approximately 3 years ago and have fewer than 5,000 miles on them. The convertible top goes up and down fine and does not leak, and the hardtop is in very good shape, save for one large scratch which you can see in the picture. The hardtop stand pictured is included, as well. The headlights were converted to the European spec lights, which look and work great.
The pictures (there are over 50 below, scroll down) tell most of the story about the car's condition. It has always been garaged since we've owned it and we have always kept it washed and waxed. A custom fitted car cover is included. Cosmetically, the paint and body are in very good condition, with some small exceptions. The paint on the trunk lid is slightly faded. There is a little rust in the front of the driver's floor area and in front of the right rear tire inside the wheel well- neither area has gotten worse since I've owned the car, and neither is noticeable unless you're under the car. The convertible top has a 2" patch in the right rear corner, and does not leak. The trunk lid spring is weak and usually needs help to stay open.
The interior is well cared-for and in great shape for it's age. The seats were recovered not long before I got the car, look great and are very comfortable. The radio is an aftermarket Pioneer AM/FM with CD, and sounds great. The gas gauge and clock do not work; all other gauges and lights and interior things work. We use the trip odometer to know when to add fuel; I just put gas in it a few days ago and reset the trip odometer.
Mechanically, the car runs and drives as well or better than you'd expect; it's hard to believe that it's 36 years old. The transmission shifts firmly but smoothly, the car tracks straight and the engine has smooth, even power whether you're cruising through town or winding through the mountains or flying down the highway. Mechanical issues are fairly minor: The rear muffler will probably need to be replaced as it has a hole in it, though it's not in any danger of falling off. The power steering leaks slightly- I usually check it and top it off once a month or so. And, like most Mercedes I've come across of this vintage, the cruise control does not work.
We have driven this great little roadster on many long distance trips and should the winning bidder decide to drive it home, I feel it would be in fine shape for most any trip. However, keep in mind this is a 36 year old car and is not perfect. I've described every flaw I know of, none of which prevent the car from being driven and enjoyed as-is. If you would like to come and inspect and test drive the car before bidding, please contact me and we will arrange it. I want the winning bidder to be just as happy with this classic as we have been.
The winning bidder shall contact me within 48 hours of auction end to arrange for payment. Full payment is due within 7 calendar days of auction end. I will sign the title over when I have received the payment. I can hold the car for a week or two after payment has been received before you pick it up, but would appreciate it if it is not too long. Shipping/ transporting, licensing, registration, insurance, etc is the sole responsibility of the buyer. And, of course, the car is sold as-is, where-is, without warranty.