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1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL

In the spring of 1971, the 280SL was replaced by a brand new development - the 350SL. Showing only a slight resemblance to its predecessor, this new series SL featured a body and chassis built to class-leading levels of vehicle safety, and featured styling which was to become a benchmark in Mercedes-Benz design for nearly two decades. Like the 280SL, the new SL was a two-seater, with a fully retractable roadster soft top as well as a removable hard top. First available only with a 3.5-liter V8 and ultimately culminating in the 1986 5.6-liter V8 560SL, this series was built until 1989, more than 18 years after its debut, a true testament to its popularity.

Coupe Roadster
Chassis number: 10704412011332

This Mercedes-Benz 450SL has been owned by the same owner for the past two decades. It has fewer than 22,000 miles since new. It is finished in gold with the original brown leather interior and equipped with an automatic transmission. There is a tool roll and both hard and soft tops.

The engine is a 4.5-liter V8 fitted with Bosch fuel injection and capable of producing 190 bhp (SAE Net). The car has a three-speed automatic and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.

In 2010, this Viper was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook event presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $30,000 - $40,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $35,200 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

The Mercedes-Benz 450 SL was produced from 1973 through 1980. During its production lifespan, 66298 examples were created. The 350 and 450 SL were built as replacements for the 230, 250, and 280 SL model range. Under the hood was an eight-cylinder, OHC engine capable of carrying the car to a top speed of over 120 mph and sprint from zero-to-sixty in just over ten seconds. The 450 SL had the larger 4520 cc eight-cylinder engine while the 350 SL was powered by a 3499 cc unit.

Standard equipment included a convertible soft-top while a metal hard-top could be purchased. The 'SL' represented 'Sport Light' or Sport Leicht. It first appeared in 1954 on the 300SL Gullwing.

by Dan Vaughan