This 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SL is a mechanically sound, clean example of one of the most desirable luxury convertibles of the 1970s. It comes from 12 years of ownership with a couple who drove it only in the summer months, though its history before that is unknown.

It is fitted with a 4.5-liter V-8 rated at 190 horsepower, which is mated to a smooth-shifting, trouble-free automatic transmission. The odometer shows just over 98,000 miles. The car features the small, elegant chrome bumpers that distinguish it visually from later cars burdened with rubber safety bumpers. The car is quite straight, with no serious imperfections to either the steel or the lovely Signal Red paint, which is believed to be original. All chrome is excellent, and the car comes with both tops: The soft-top is nearly new, with no marks at all and a clear, scratch-free soft rear window, while the hardtop is itself nearly flawless with an excellent headliner, and it seals as it should. The black MB-Tex interior is flawless, with no tears or cracks in the seats or the dash, while the car retains its original Becker Europa II radio. It is equipped with both air conditioning and cruise control, though both systems are currently inoperable. Power windows, locks, wipers and all lights work as they should.

The SL rides on four new Toyo tires, features a complete new exhaust system, new injectors, new plug wires, and an all-important recent timing chain replacement. There is minimal surface rust on the driver’s side door sill, along with some slight rust inside the rear wheelwells. The underside and all mechanical components are otherwise clean.

Overall, this is an excellent 450SL driver with only minor needs that runs and handles as it should, with smooth power delivery capable of comfortable, high-speed cruising all day long.