Chassis number: 10704423066246

Engine number: 11798512058206

The legendary Mercedes-Benz R107 was introduced in 1971 and unknowingly at the time would become, perhaps, the most iconic Mercedes-Benz model ever built. The R107’s production duration spanned 18-years, making it the most commonly recognizable Mercedes of all time. It was a prestigious machine that featured in many films and television shows; in turn, it was an automobile that many admirers aspired to own.

The R107 was designed with a new look, reflecting Mercedes’ design direction for the 1970s was was designed primarily for the United States market, becoming the first SL to feature a V-8 engine. Many safety features were implemented, such as a thick, padded steering wheel and accident crumple zones, plus reinforced A-pillars. All of the examples built for the U.S. market were required to comply with emissions regulations that started to develop in the late 1960s.

Sales of this model began in North America in 1972, released as the 350SL; however, the powerplant was a 4.5-liter low compression engine that was needed to meet the strict U.S. emissions requirements. In the 1973 model year, the car was correctly badged as a 450SL and created a moniker that will not soon, if ever, be forgotten. Model year 1974 ushered in even more DOT and EPA regulations that mandated catalytic converters, unleaded fuel usage and five miles per hour impact bumpers. Mercedes-Benz had to quickly retrofit the R107 and fit the large, imposing bumpers that would remain throughout its production run on the cars destined for the United States. The R107 is reported as one of few convertibles available throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, as most U.S. manufacturers stopped development as rumors of stricter rollover standards being implemented.

Mercedes started development on an entire new range of lighter, faster and cleaner V-8’s that were first made available in the W126 sedan with plans for the R107. For 1980, the colors and interiors were modernized placing the suddenly dated 1970s color chart. In February 1980 production began on the U.S.-bound 380SL for the 1981 model year alongside the 1980 model year 450SL. The last 450SL rolled off of the line into automotive history in October 1980.

This particular car was built in September 1980 and delivered to its original owner on October 31, 1980 making it one of the very last 450SL’s produced. Pampered and garaged; it has been driven less than 27,000 actual miles and is a near perfectly preserved sample that is “truly extraordinary.” Finished in Classic White with MB-Tex interior and beautiful Zebrano wood dash accents, the car looks and smells like it did in 1980. The factory hardtop has never been removed and the soft-top is in “brand new” condition. The original Becker radio works perfectly; while all of the original books, maintenance booklet, data card, plus various associated Mercedes-Benz documents are provided in the sale. The original jack, toolkit and spare tire with original rubber are also found onboard. The chrome elements seen on the roadster are without pitting, and glimmer with a hint of blue. The rubber inserts on the bumpers, unlike the majority of similar cars, shine as when new. The original 14-inch factory cast alloy wheels are striking and retain their original paint. The air conditioning is reported to function perfectly, while the troublesome servo unit that plagued these cars has freshly been replaced with a factory supplied replacement. This Mercedes-Benz is a role model for “time warp” status; it arguably may be the finest 1980 450SL available.