My Mercedes 450SL 1979 Convertible
1979 Mercedes 450SL
There is nothing in the world that can put a smile on my face faster than a drive in a convertible with the top down. A combination of visual beauty, sensory rush from the air, adrenaline from the exposure, and simple driving pleasure combine to make any top down drive rejuvenating and fun.
The Mercedes 450SL, also known as the 107, is a fantastic car for this. While it does not have the ultimate road handling characteristics of something like a Porsche; it is a very competent vehicle at higher speeds when the suspension is properly refreshed. For a 1979 vehicle it is designed with safety in mind. With comfortable seats, a large trunk, and a pleasant interior; it is the perfect car for a trip to the wine country or a visit to the big city for some food and culture.
The Mercedes I purchased was a two owner California car. The first owner purchased it back east and then brought it to Los Angeles. This is ideal as the Federal version of the 79 is preferable to the California version because of some additional smog control on the California version. I am all for saving the environment, but at that early stage in car smog control development smog control was often problematic and robbed cars of performance.
She was cared for and garaged during her previous life, but she is over 30 years old so there are a number of items which must be attended to. I will be addressing items like the seats, seals, and fluids and providing some how to guides along the way. If you are thinking of purchasing a 450SL remember that it is old enough that even a low mileage example will need much of the rubber components replaced, all of the way from door seals to vacuum connectors. Also while just about any part you need is available some of them can be very expensive. After all, this is a Mercedes and retailed in 1979 for $31,589. You might ask why I am offering the "how to" guides. I am paying it forward. Other enthusiasts websites as well as specific web communities have helped me immeasurably with my projects and I wish to extend that kind of help to others.
So lets put on our seat belts and ride down the Mercedes 450SL restoration highway.
PS If you are looking for a detailed and overall excellent guide to the SL series check out this button below I am not affiliated in anyway but just think it is a great overview.
The Mercedes 450SL, also known as the 107, is a fantastic car for this. While it does not have the ultimate road handling characteristics of something like a Porsche; it is a very competent vehicle at higher speeds when the suspension is properly refreshed. For a 1979 vehicle it is designed with safety in mind. With comfortable seats, a large trunk, and a pleasant interior; it is the perfect car for a trip to the wine country or a visit to the big city for some food and culture.
The Mercedes I purchased was a two owner California car. The first owner purchased it back east and then brought it to Los Angeles. This is ideal as the Federal version of the 79 is preferable to the California version because of some additional smog control on the California version. I am all for saving the environment, but at that early stage in car smog control development smog control was often problematic and robbed cars of performance.
She was cared for and garaged during her previous life, but she is over 30 years old so there are a number of items which must be attended to. I will be addressing items like the seats, seals, and fluids and providing some how to guides along the way. If you are thinking of purchasing a 450SL remember that it is old enough that even a low mileage example will need much of the rubber components replaced, all of the way from door seals to vacuum connectors. Also while just about any part you need is available some of them can be very expensive. After all, this is a Mercedes and retailed in 1979 for $31,589. You might ask why I am offering the "how to" guides. I am paying it forward. Other enthusiasts websites as well as specific web communities have helped me immeasurably with my projects and I wish to extend that kind of help to others.
So lets put on our seat belts and ride down the Mercedes 450SL restoration highway.
PS If you are looking for a detailed and overall excellent guide to the SL series check out this button below I am not affiliated in anyway but just think it is a great overview.