1976 Mercedes 450SL

56K original miles
Completely original
Benchmark example

Here up for bids is this very well preserved Mercedes 450SL. This car was bought new in Portland at Don Rasmussen Mercedes (America's first MB dealer) and has been in the ownership of one family from new. Always garaged, the car is a standout example of what happens when pride of ownership meets Mercedes build quality.
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Finished in the rare color of Cypress Green (Code 876), the paint is 100% original and still extremely nice for being 40 years old, it's obvious that this car was garaged. You'll find a few minor paint chips here and there but overall the car looks outstanding. With original paint there's nothing to hide and you'll find zero rust issues anyhwere, none. Tires are quality Michelins with good tread, all 4 wheelcovers are in excellent condition.

Bumpers show good chrome, the rubber trim is in good shape as well. Panel fit is perfect throughout and the doors close like a vault.

Lights and lenses are all mint, all 4 of the headlights are the original GE units from new.

Grill assembly is straight and clean with no damage. All of the glass are Sekurit branded originals in excellent condition. The original Bosch wiper blade holders are still present, most got tossed at the first blade change, it's always a plus to see these on an SL. 1976 was the last year for the early style chromed side view mirrors, they were replaced the next year with black plastic versions. The Hirschmann power antenna is original and operates correctly. Nice original details everywhere you look.

The soft top is original to the car, verified by the "Wopavin Polyglass" markings on the windows. The top is still in very nice condition with no wear or damage, it opens and closes easily and fits precisely.

Clean storage well, still with its original weatherstripping seal in great shape. The soft top boot area was prone to damage, this one looks pretty clean with only a couple of minor dings on close inspection.

The hardtop is in excellent shape as well, showing a like-new headliner, excellent glass and trim, and all original weatherstripping. Fit and finish is factory perfect and transforms this convertible into an airtight coupe.

The trunk is also in time warp condition, its perimeter rubber seal is the date-coded original.

The trunk contains the factory jacking equipment, tool kit and OE Dunlop spare. The tire well is totally rust free, unusual to find them this nice. The hinged tire well cover is held upright with an elastic strap, changed on the later cars to a plastic strap.

The car comes with a nice set of manuals, every service interval in the maintenance booklet has been stamped. The hardtop release handles are still in their original case, its design is a continuation of the one used for the W113 SL's (Pagodas), these handle cases are seldom found and expensive to replace.

The interior's color code of 105 (Mushroom) is also rare and it's 100% original. The seats have no damage or signs or wear, still looking good after 40 years.

All of the gauges operate correctly and show good consistent readings. The clock works and keeps good time. All of the switchgear looks like new and everything operates correctly, including the cruise control. Ashtray and lighter are unused, the car has not been smoked in. The AC system has been converted to the R-134a standard and blows cold.

Both power windows operate smoothly. The radio has good sound and the power antenna works correctly. Dash pad is still like new with zero cracks or splits.

Clean rear parcel shelf, the tub underneath reveals no rust issues - water has never found its way into here. Footwells are extra clean and reflect the car's low miles.

Excellent sills and door panels, the car's central locking system works correctly.

The car runs and drives just like it looks - terrific. It starts easily and runs strongly, offering plenty of power with no smoke and no abnormal noises. It idles smoothly, shifts flawlessly, brakes well and runs down the road with a nice tight suspension. This car is excellent on the road.

Clean and straight core support with all of the factory decals and ID plates present.

Perfect undercarriage with zero rust issues, a textbook example of how an original R107 undercarriage should look.

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About the reserve price:
Out of fairness to all bidders the reserve is held in confidence, please just bid at the level that you'd want to pay. This auction ends Monday, September 5th at 9AM Pacific Time