Lot details
Registration No: RXI3588
Chassis No: 10704422062808
Mot Expiry: Nov 2003

The successful 280SL, built up to 1971 by Daimler-Benz, would be a very hard act to follow. However, though larger, 354lbs heavier and less sporting in appearance, the V8 3499cc 350SL and 4520cc 450SL replacements from the Stuttgart manufacturer proved to be much more luxurious Autobahn fliers, thanks to the employment of those long lasting V8 motors and absorb-everything suspension from the S Class saloons. The majority of these smoother and more up-market SLs were supplied with labour-saving auto-shift and most had the 4.5-litre engine, a total of 66,298 being 450s compared to the 15,304 350s.
The vendor of the declared to be 1981-made 450SL being offered here tells us that the previous owner spent over £6000 on bodywork refurbishment and renewing power steering, brakes including handbrake, exhaust and tyres. The 104,169 total mileage indicated can be fully authenticated by all the old MOTs which are on file. Body and paintwork in silver blue metallic are currently still good, he says, blue interior fair to good, and 8-cylinder 4.5-litre engine and automatic transmission both excellent. According to the entrant, this super-smooth Merc drives perfectly. With current MOT and tax, and excellent soft top, he claims that it is absolutely ready to drive home. The successful bidder could do just that!