The SL lineage, denoting Sport Leicht, began in 1954 with the groundbreaking 300 SL Gullwing, which set the bar for the sporting two-door grand tourers that followed and adopted its name. The R107 generation SL, introduced in 1971, solidified this reputation with a commitment to engineering excellence, becoming one of Mercedes-Benz’s longest-running production cars. Standard US-delivered features included V-8 power, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a removable hardtop with defrost.

The 450 SL presented here was delivered new to the consignor through Ken Garff Imports of Salt Lake City. It was finished in the elegant combination of Champagne Metallic (code 473H) over a Dark Brown interior, which was optioned with leather in place of the far more common MB-Tex leatherette. Its accompanying window sticker indicates an original sale price of $38,318 – equivalent to almost $150,000 in today’s dollars. It has since remained under the care of its original owner for 45 years, stored carefully in a climate-controlled garage and used infrequently, primarily on summer drives and averaging fewer than 1,300 miles per year. A true modern classic convertible, with legendary Mercedes-Benz engineering, this 450 SL is offered with its tool roll, manual set, and first-aid kit. Desirably specified, highly original, and sparingly driven, this one-owner 450 SL enables an opportunity to relive the inimitable style of the 1980s.