1978 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 450SL 81,630 Miles Red Original!

Everything is original on this Benz, save for all of the necessary upgrades to rubber gaskets and parts, corroded metal fastenings and things. One major upgrade, performed by Mercedes-Benz themselves was to the fuel pump system. Oh and the stereo was upgraded in the 1980's as well as the chrome trim along the wheel wells, which honestly, add quite the nice touch. Other than that, the paint and interior is original and well-kept all except for the dash, which has faded a bit from 6 months of sun exposure, otherwise garage stored.

Three owners total. Dad had the car the longest and would take mom on dates in the car before she passed. Refused to sell the car after that and kept the car for 25 years until I could take it and fix it up. I was the idiot who kept the car in the sun for 6 months. Otherwise the car is in just phenomenal shape.

The car has a removable hard top and a black soft top (not shown). I have the original manuals, operators and mechanics, as well as a CD manual. Car also comes with a set of four vintage 1980s Enkei gold sought-after rims.

Had a Mercedes mechanic take the whole engine apart, clean it out, replace all of the gaskets and O-rings and put it back together, same with the fuel tank, suspension and the list below:

Date

Upgrade & Repair

7/25/2015

Replace Fuel filter

7/25/2015

Replace Spark Plug Wire Set & Plugs

7/25/2015

Replace Water Pump

7/31/2015

Replace Fuel pump

8/6/2015

Replace Thermostat

8/17/2015

Replace Upper Crankshaft Seal

8/17/2015

Replace Oil Pan Gasket Set

8/17/2015

Replace Upper Valve Cover Gasket

8/17/2015

Replace Lower Valve Cover Gasket

8/17/2015

Replace Lower Crankshaft Seal

8/17/2015

Replace Automatic Transmission Pan Gasket

8/17/2015

Replace Oil Pan Gasket

8/17/2015

Replace Front Automatic Transmission Seal

8/17/2015

Replace Back Automatic Transmission Seal

8/17/2015

Replace Fog Light Bulb

8/20/2015

Replace Secondary Air Injection Pump

12/2/2015

Custom Car Cover

12/6/2015

Replace Fuel Filter Again

12/29/2015

Replace Fuel Level Sending Unit

1/5/2016

Remove and Clean Out Fuel Tank

1/26/2016

Replace Shocks

3/12/2016

Replace Fuel Injectors

6/17/2016

Re-solder Fuel Sensor to Tank Causing Fuel Smell

6/18/2016

Misc Equipment (Don’t Remember)

6/19/2016

Replace Tires, Including Spare

6/20/2016

Misc Equipment (Don’t Remember)

7/7/2016

Replaces Brakes

3/8/2018

Upgrade Fuel Pump

3/8/2018

Perform Engine Tweaks by Mercedes Benz

3/8/2018

Mercedes Benz Overall Check and Suggestions by 450SL Expert

8/2/2018

Upgrade Headlights

8/2/2018

Sand and Wax Paint to Remove Scratches

8/10/2018

Drive Shaft U-Joint Replacement, Misc Under Carriage Rubber Replacements

Things that need to be done still (Quotes Cost by my mechanic):

Transmission gaskets need to be replaced, tiny leak, but is fine ($500)

Needs warm up regulator replaced ($650)

Soft top needs to be replaced, has a tear and is old ($500)

Dashboard should be replaced ($1000)

Steering linkage should be replaced ($150)

Wish list items (quote if available)

Paint as a few nicks ($300 for nick repair)

Could be rewired throughout

Original carpet is worn in areas, could be replaced

Radio antenna should be replaced it doesn't go down all the way on its own ($150)

Heater (of all things) doesn't work (A/C does) maybe just don't drive it in the snow or rain and you'll be fine

Breaks still squeak at slow speed even though they have been replaced

The car has its quirks, but what old car doesn't. You will fall in love with the thing like I have. And you will probably be able to fix it up better than I have been able to. I brought it back to life and maybe you will be able to bring it to perfection. I hope you will be able to take it from a 15K car to a 25K car because that's what it's worth. Every mechanic I take it to tells me this car is worth a fortune and I should keep it and continue working on it because it's worth a ton, but I just don't have any more in me to do it. I've gotten it out of my system and now it's time to pass it on to someone else who will take it the rest of the way. By the way, the photos were taken August 2018, so what you see is what you get!!