p > *****. *** For sale is a true survivor! This 1974 Mercedes Benz 450 SEL has always been in California and as a result exhibits no rust. This car was well equipped in it's day, eaturing a full leather interior and a power operated sunroof. The color is also quite rare, s it is a color seen on early models, ost notably the 280SL. It is Mercedes paint code 542, ark red. The interior is bamboo. The car has had one paint job in it's original color and it still shows well. There are a few very small blemishes noticeable only upon very close inspection. The chrome bumpers are in superior shape with no issues to mention, ut the brightwork trim around the windows is dull and needs a polish with brasso. The grill looks great and boasts 3 badges, ncluding a US dept. of Justice badge owing to the fact that the car was originally owned by a US federal court Judge. The set of 5 chrome Zenith wire wheels really make this car special. They are true knock offs and the lead hammer to remove their spinners rests in the trunk. With these wheels being likely as old as the car, hey show their age with some chrome loss to some of the wire spokes and the MBZ decal emblems on the spinners themselves faded. Still, uite an impressive look from 5 feet away! The car has newer tires with 75% tread remaining. The interior is finished in bamboo color leather. This old Mercedes leather still has that unmistakable smell when you first open the door, nd the seats are very comfortable. Interestingly, he seats here did not suffer from the shrinkage issue I see in so many other 450 SELs of the era, ut they are the result of the hot Southern California heat where the car resided the first 37 years of it' life. There is sun damage to the top of the rear seats adjoining the rear package shelf and the front passenger seat has some rips to the bolsters. The drivers seat is currently by far the worst seating area in the car and needs to be repaired. There are several cracks in the dashboard. Now for the good: the car is a very low mileage example at just 82,000+ on the clock. Consequently, he motor runs strong and is powerful. All power windows, he electric sunroof and all gauges work fine. Even the a/c IS WORKING! The car has a Porsche OEM cassette radio made by Blaupunkt with the original owners manual. The car has a newer battery and rear brakes pads were installed and an oil change was done 1000 miles ago. This is a very stylish car in a rare color with even rarer Zenith wire wheels on it, hich were simply all the rage in the 70's. Please checkout the youtube video I made of the car and note that in the video, ou will see that the passenger seat has an extra seat cushion on top of the original. That seat cushion has since been installed and is in good overall condition. Lastly, he car is a 1974 and to those residing in California, hat means this car NEVER needs to be smogged. A huge benefit to consider. Please submit any and all questions of concern PRIOR to submitting a bid. DISCLAIMER: Car is for sale and advertised on other venues. As such, prior sale to the end of this auction is possible. I fully reserve the right to end this auction early in such an instance.