'76 Mercedes 450SL - local jeweler's weekend cruiser - low miles - nice original

Description for Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 1976

1976 Mercedes Benz 450SL Limited, ampered use, ow mile & very original Lineage --Not all cars are afforded the same lot in life. The vast majority are daily drivers after all. It's really nice when one is allowed to function primarily as a fair weather weekend cruiser. Such is the case here. Purchased new for the wife of a local jewelry store owner, t was treated like the gem that it is. The original owner sold it in 2001 having only put 108k miles on it in 25 years of ownership. The second owner rarely used it, articularly when he realized his wife also enjoyed riding motorcycles. It stands before you as a very well maintained and preserved original example.I wanted to capture the vehicle with enough detail that you can get a very thorough and accurate impression with a virtual walk around. Please follow this link to do just that --http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/rootedowne/library/1976%20Mercedes%20Benz%20450SL

Exterior --This car wears the classic anthracite gray (code 172) on a black interior. Timeless classic color combination to be certain. Panel fit is excellent. Doors close with the authority MB cars of this era command -- like a vault.Close inspection will reveal signs of use - minor scratches and a small ding or two. I can't find any signs of touch-up let alone respray. The only sign of rust I found is a small crack on the left rear wheel arch (front left of wheel arch in 5th pic below). The car was wearing chrome wheel arch trim. I'm not a big fan so, removed them. I also feel it is better to know what lurks below. Fortunately, his was the only defect. The blemishes (and the trim pieces) have been with the car since at least 2001 with no change. You could drive as is or take it to a different level with a repaint. A good candidate for either use. The soft top is in like new condition. Doubt it has seen much use ever. The canvas on these tops is a very nice and the stitching of the kind of quality you would expect from a Mercedes of this era. Interior lining and webbing all in excellent shape.The hardtop is also in excellent shape. There is a small ding in the base trim (see 2nd pic). I've always admired the trim pieces on top. Kind of a tribute to the pagoda tops of even the R113 with the new stance and function of the R107. Once installed, t really converts this car to a solid road worthy coupe. Headliner and rear glass are also excellent.Stowage area for top is in the kind of well preserved original shape as the rest of the car. Beginning with the neatly preserve chrome hatch and trim pieces and moving into the pride of engineering mechanical bits. One felt strip is missing and another could be re-adhered, ut overall it demonstrates limited usage and pride of ownership.Interior --Colors preferences are certainly a matter of preference, ut this black interior on this vehicle is an excellent fit for the exterior color. It captures the feeling of a gray tweed suit with pair of black leather shoes. Door panels show a bit of wrinkling at the top of the door. The effect is like a pair of leather gloves. The rear seat area includes cushions to outfit it as a legitimate rear seat. Sign of the times, ight? The wiring buckle for the rear window defroster is another nice MB touch. Carpet shows some signs of use, ut overall in excellent original shape.Bumpers and lenses are in great shape. Chrome on bumpers and around fog light lenses all in great shape.I've always liked the "Bundt" wheels. They are a great combination of rugged usability and sharp design details. The set on this car show signs of use, ut are in overall very good shape. The trunk is clean and very original. Battery box and jack with lug wrench all in place and consistent with the rest of the car. Spare does not seem to have ever seen the light of day let alone road use.Engine bay is also well preserved. Other than maintenance is has not really been touched. The lid lining is drying out a bit. It is fragile. Original decals and vehicle ID plates are all in place. This car pulls with authority. I can see why the larger output engine has it's following. Not a stoplight to stoplight burner, ut instead a long legged touring car. The build quality on these cars is truly admirable. It was an stand out in it's day and still remains an excellent and very easy to use classic.Questions, idding, hipping, tc.Bidding -- The reserve will be kept in confidence out of respect for the auction process. Simply bid the amount you feel comfortable investing in a classic preserved and presented at this level.These cars enjoy an adoring following. There are likely to be quite a few people involved in the auction process. Please treat the bidding process as the serious intent to purchase that it is. Everyone benefits with this level of mutual respect. Thanks in advance. If you have any questions please call or text. (816) 786-7534.Transportation -- transport of the vehicle is the buyer's choice and responsibility. If you are from overseas, et me know and I will track down contact information for reputable companies who ship abroad. I will make is easy on this end regardless the arrangements.Questions -- my intent was to be very thorough in my description and through the use of photos. If you have any questions, o not hesitate to contact me. Many thanks for your interest and good luck. Can't wait to see what the future has in store for this very capable roadster!