1975 450SL
73k miles.
Have never driven a better ‘70s era 450SL.
Incredibly smooth handling and reliable engine.
Rare Anthracite Grey Metallic color.
The car was in great condition when I purchased it in February 2022 from a collector who’d recently acquired it from the original owner.
Nearly every aspect of the car was original, and so I’ve spent a considerable amount of time and money replacing parts that cracked or needed updating. Worked exclusively with Shant, “The MBZ Doctor” at Beverly Laurel Automotive on restorations.
It’s become my daily driver for the last few months and is an absolute dream. Sad to let it go, but have a newborn and must part with the car as it’s not exactly child friendly.
WORK DONE
Aug 2022
Replaced window switches
Replaced shifter bushing
Replaced transmission hoses
Jan 2023
Replaced all spark plug
Replaced water pump, thermostat, both by-pass hoses, upper, lower radiator hoses, clamps * coolant
Replaced all fan belts & A/C Idler Pulley
Replaced coolant expansion tank, bottom hose, cap & coolant
R&R intake manifold & send for welding * repair, replace gaskets, injector seals * plenum seals
Replaced thermostatically controlled by-pass choke
Sublet repairs of intake manifold, welding water outlet pipe
R&R radiator & send for repairs
Sublet repairs of radiator
R&R power steering gearbox & reseal complete unit
Replaced left & right front lower control arm bushings
Replaced front & rear shock absorbers
Replaced front & rear drive shaft flex discs.
Replaced front sway bar bushings
Front end alignment
R&R Cylinder Heads & Send to machine shop. Replace head gaskets & timing chain tensioner
Machine shop repair of valve
The two notable callouts:
When purchased, the A/C was not functional. Because it’s a convertible, I’ve never needed the A/C or investigated what needed to be done to fix. Could be a simple breaker that needs to be updated
There’s notable paint damage on hard top. It’s purely aesthetic.