RUST FREE SOUTHWESTERN 1979 MERCEDES 450SL 450 SL R107 WHITE ON RED INTERIOR

Here we have a very solid 1979 450SL. It originally came from Arizona and ended up in New Mexico. As such, I can't find any rust in any of the typical places.
Chrome bundt wheels in nice shape. Missing passenger side trim is included and is in great shape - the clips failed that were holding it on.

I found this car in a guys yard and pestered him to sell it to me. He parked the car at least 6 years ago after rodents chewed through his spark plug wires.He was frustrated because this had happened twice to him him so he just let the car sit for years. Here in new mexico we have pack rats that can be a real nuisance.
I bought the car to restore but have since bought a Pagoda I am restoring and it is a far cry rust-wise from this one.
The fuel system was cleaned. New fuel pump and battery. New exhaust. Fresh oil and filter. New plug wires. The car runs and drives now but has not been on any long journeys yet since the tires, while acceptable looking, are old.They have plenty of tread.
The biggest issue with being a southwestern car is the sun. The seats need covers. Some cracks on dash. The wood is nice. The door cards are nice. The carpet is even good.The headliner is very nice. Blems in white paint on side just tape residue.
Original manual in glove box. Original roof release tool.
The softop looks new.......jet black with no wear or cracks to windows but.....a rodent chewed a hole about the size of a silver dollar in the passenger rear corner. The rest of the roof is so nice I would get a patch kit. It is not worth trashing an otherwise beautiful roof.
The body has no dents or rust. The white paint is dull but from my expereince will shine or buff up for a very nice driver quality paint job. However, the hardtop, which took the brunt of the sun over the years has paint peeling off the roof. The exposed areas of bare metal has flashed over in mild rust without any pitting. Technically you could just shoot the roof if you were on a budget.
I installed a full new exhaust all the way back to the headers. The underside pictures were taken before I this so they show the old exhaust. We replaced it due to blockage not because of rust. All new and shiny now.
No rust in the trunk. No rust on the floor. No rust in the wheel wells. No rust on the outside of rockers. Just superb in that respect.
This car, while running and driving, should be put through a thorough road testing before taken on long journeys. It starts up immediately even when cold. Idles nicely. Stops fine and shifts smoothly.No effort to detail the car was made. No cleaning, waxing or polishing. It's dusty and dirty. Pretty much as I found it. While everything appears to work fine, only time will tell what else may need servicing. It does not seem to blow smoke or have any mechanical issues but all that can change since this is an old car with no service history.
It is sold AS-IS where is with no warranty or money back guarantees. If you bid more than the car is worth that is your problem. Do your research. The internet is full of buyers guides and links. This is a no reserve auction. I will meet with your shipper to help load car.
The main virtue of this car is the lack of rust. You don't want a rusty 450SL at any price. The fact it is running and driving is great, but PLEASE plan on the fact that things go wrong on old cars. It can give you years of trouble free service or be a complete money pit. Your gamble. I have had many of these SL in the past finally graduating to a W113 280SL and parts can be expensive.
Clear title in my name. Title states more mileage than actual due to my laziness when registering the car. I did not bring the car to the DMV and they asked me the mileage. I just guessed so I would not have to go back home and verify. Car has 90K and I said it had 104k. Pretty lousy guess.
I HAVE A FEW VIDEOS SHOWING THE ENGINE RUNNING. Send me your email address and I can send them along.

On Apr-26-18 at 09:39:14 PDT, seller added the following information:

Underside photos in wheel wells is just dust/mud/dirt - no rusty scale.Shipping costs - I suggest getting shipping quotes from uship dot com.