1975 Mercedes-Benz 450SL showing 22k miles
This 450SL is beautifully finished in rare Carnelian Red over a cream MB-Tex interior with a black soft top and a color-matched painted hardtop. Under the hood is a 4.5L M117 V8 featuring Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection and was factory rated at 180 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission.
It was sold new at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer Shepard Foreign Cars in Oak Park, IL on 4/17/1975 to Mr. Naqvi of Melrose Park, IL. It’s understood to have remained with the original owner for multiple decades before our acquisition in May 2024 in which the odometer shows just 22,651 miles of accumulation over the past 50 years.
Equipment includes a body-color removable hardtop, a black soft top, fog lights, air conditioning, power steering, power disc brakes, a Becker Grand Prix stereo with power antenna, central locking, and power windows. It is also equipped with 14″ steel wheels with bright covers and color-matched painted centers mounted with 205/70 Michelin Sport EP-X tires.
Of importance to note, the tires have 3-digit date codes indicating the tires are either from 1981 or 1991. We left these tires installed as a means to assist in corroborating the mileage as the tires are in excellent condition still showing the original bar codes from the time of purchase as well as having excellent tread depth with no dry cracking. A testament to proper treatment and storage of the car when not in use. Additionally, the proud new owner has the option to install any tires of their choosing.
Since our acquisition we have invested nearly $6,500 into updates and service including dry ice cleaning the undercarriage showcasing a beautiful and dry underbody, general servicing including fluids, linkage bushings, and new hood pads, minor cosmetic improvements to the interior, and a full paint correction with 2-stage polishing.
Sources show Carnelian Red was only offered on the R107 SL from 1972 to 1976 offering a rare opportunity to acquire a vintage Mercedes SL in a seldomly seen color with less than 23,000 original miles.
Decoding the option plate reveals this 450SL is equipped as follows:
- 514 – Carnelian Red paint
- 467 – Central locking system
- 491 – Version for US market
- 519 – Becker Grand Prix stereo
- 531 – Power antenna
- 585 – Air conditioning and power windows
- 593 – Heat-insulating glass
- 636 – Elimination of warning triangle