1974 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

1974 Mercedes-Benz 450SL – Series run 1971 –1980

In 1974 the Mercedes R107 model 450SL offered aV-8 engine in the convertible lineup with a fuel-injected V-8 featuring anoverhead cam that delivered 190 horsepower, automatic transmission, fully independentsuspension, four-wheel disc braking and large safety bumpers front and rear inkeeping with federal regulations.

In 1975, emissions requirements reduced thatoutput to180 hp with the addition of a catalytic converter, and furtherrevisions to the fuel injection system in 1979 and 80, reduced the hp to 160,marking the decline of a beautiful series. 

I bought this 1974 gem in 1984 and drove itdaily for 22 years. I was out of country for 10 of those years on 2 overseasstints where the car was placed in professional storage and completely restoredeach time I returned.  More interested infunction than aesthetics, I focused on maintaining a strong engine, letting afew of the vanity items slide, but what I needed was reliability and it hasthat in spades. My last Hail Mary was the complete overhaul of the transmissionin 2018 which brought it back to fighting form. It was relegated to my “second” car position in 2015 and has seen very littleuse since. 

It’s a solid ride that will turn heads for manyyears to come.