Project Description
Mercedes-Benz 450 SL
Mercedes-Benz 450 SL (R107) with outstanding history.
Price
SOLDYear
1979Mls/Kms
52,199 milesSold in
SpainHistory File
Our Mercedes-Benz R107 450SL – chassis number WDB10704412054901 was delivered to its first owner, B & S Associates (Mortgage Brokers – who still exist today) on June 09 1979 to Santa Monica, California. The comprehensive history file confirms the low mileage in incredible detail with literally scores of invoices, mainly signed by Mrs William Benezra (the B in B & S Associates) probably as a company car. The California License Plate was also registered as BENEZRA. The file is organised in decades and in 2000 the car is still registered to Benezra showing a documented 40,871 miles. Jump forward to June 2006 and we see the final invoice made out to Benezra showing the car now with 49,217 miles. Remaining in California (Laytonville) the second owner, namely Dewan Martha Maurice, would retain the car from September 2008 until September 2018 where a mere 51,000 miles are recorded. In 2018 the car is then imported to Germany by a private collector who would eventually register the car with Historical registration in December 2020. All together we have an outstanding example with just 3 recorded owners and one of the best history files we’ve ever seen at Cathedral Classics.
Exterior
Generally speaking, it’s a striking looking car but the colour would appear to have a somewhat yes-no-maybe effect! It’s finished in English Red code (504) and has received some new paint whilst in the US but, gauging the paint thickness, it’s clearly been applied a number of years ago but still has an overall lovely even finish. There are two panels still with the original factory coat of paint. The original factory specification plates are still present inside the driver’s door and show no signs of ever being removed. The boot area does show a small blister near the 450SL badge which looks as though it happened when re-applying it following paint. The bonnet also has a tiny dent but would be difficult to detect if not shown. Discussions with the previous American lady owner confirmed that she predominantly used the car with its perfectly fitting Hardtop. Indeed, the factory mohair soft top in dark brown (code 8023) is almost unused. On importing the car to Germany, it was decide quite early on to retain the US style bumpers but the car does have new headlights complying with stringent EU standards.
Interior
The original MB-Tex in Bamboo (code 104) seats are still in superb condition and consummate with the cars meagre 52k miles. Other original factory specification include: (467) Central key locking; (531) Automatic Antenna, however the original Becker Mexico radio has sadly been replaced! A passenger door mirror (502) and a central arm rest (570) are both in place as they left the factory. Both electric windows (587) are functioning fine but, the original factory air conditioning is not working but is currently being looked at by a marque specialist.
Documents
Engine & Transmission
The extensive history file confirms the cars low 52k miles and is backed up with the original Service Book with perforated chassis number. On arrival in Germany, and prior to the exacting TÜV test now required to re-register in Germany, the car received a comprehensive service from a marque specialist, including a complete brake overhaul. Underneath the car is completely dry and in lovely condition following an expensive dry ice cleaning process. Under the bonnet displays a clean engine bay with the original factory specification stickers still in place. The famous Mercedes V8 block with 4520 cc and 225ps is strong enough to pull a house down with a smooth 3 speed gearbox and enough torque to take the car to the moon and back.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
The car left the factory with15 Hole light alloy rims (code 640) but has somehow evolved over the years to now wear the popular steel wheels with hubcaps in matching body colour, which suits the car nicely. New Goodride Radial RP28 tyres (205/70 R14 95T M&S) are fitted and the car received a complete brake overhaul when imported to Germany in 2018.
Underneath
