This 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SL shows it’s first service in Bethesda, Maryland by McNey Motors. Subsequent services were performed in Pittsburgh by the dealer through 1984 and again in 1994 in Oak Ridge, TN. The current owner and seller purchased the car in 2025 and has added approximately 200 miles in their ownership. Finished in Astral Silver Metallic (735) over a Black MB-Tex interior, power is provided by a 4.5L V8 engine paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Features include power windows, a power antenna, a navy soft top, a paint-matched hardtop, and an aftermarket head unit. This SL includes a stamped service booklet through 1984 and extensive service and maintenance work was performed by the seller in 2025 including a wide range of mechanical and cosmetic sorting. Recent work included fuel system and injection service, timing chain components, cooling, brakes, steering, climate control, tires, and interior/accessory items as outlined below. This 450SL shows 112k miles on the odometer and is now offered by the seller with factory literature, a hardtop stand, 2 factory keys, service records, and a clean West Virginia title.

The body is finished in Astral Silver Metallic (735) and wears North American spec bumpers, headlamps, and tail lamps. The brightwork appears to be complete along with glass and trim. Exterior features include a matching removable hardtop, a folding navy soft top, automatic antenna, fog lights, and chrome mirror caps. The car was reportedly repainted under prior ownership. Per the datacard, this SL was finished in Astral Silver when new. Minor blemishes are noted around the exterior with the most notable being an indent at the rear of the left quarter panel. Pictures of the car with the top down and soft top up are provided.

The original OEM 14” bundt wheels have been swapped for OEM 14” Gullideckel wheels. The Hankook tires measure 205/70 at all four corners and show 2025 date codes. The front lower A-arm mounting tabs were inspected and are reported to show no visible cracking. The braking system was serviced with rebuilt calipers, new brake hoses, fresh DOT 4 brake fluid, a new master cylinder, and a replacement brake booster. Steering work included a new steering coupling, fluid and filter change, steering box adjustment, and a new steering damper. The shift linkage bushings were also replaced.

The cabin is finished in Black MB-Tex and accented by Zebrano wood trim on the dash and console. Amenities include an aftermarket head unit featuring bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, Tempomat Cruise Control, electric front windows, power locks, a heated rear windowpane, and a spare tire in the trunk with an original tool kit included. Interior and accessory work included re-dyeing the inside of the hardtop, cleaning and lubricating the seat tracks, installing new sun visors, replacing windshield wipers, and replacing instrument and control bulbs as needed. The climate control system was extensively refreshed with a rebuilt climate control servo, rebuilt amplifier, rebuilt auxiliary water pump, rebuilt A/C compressor, new receiver-drier, new expansion valve, new hoses and clamps, and conversion to R134a. The condenser and evaporator were flushed, the evaporator exterior was cleaned, the vacuum pods were tested, and the system is reported to function as intended. The warning buzzer has been disconnected to keep it from sounding when the door is open. 

The four-spoke steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation with an 85-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and an analog clock. Additional auxiliary gauges include fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The clock was serviced with new capacitors, and the mechanism was cleaned and lubricated. The seller reports that all lights, instruments, and warning systems are working, including the clock, cigar lighter, and ashtray light. The door lock and window mechanisms were also lubricated. The six-digit analog odometer indicates just under 112k miles.

The fuel-injected 4.5L SOHC V8 originally made 180 horsepower for the US market with power routed to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. The seller performed a number of mechanical services under their care. The fuel tank was removed and cleaned, and the car received a new tank screen, sending unit, Bosch fuel pump, fuel pump mounts, fuel filter, fuel accumulator, and related fuel lines. The fuel injection system was also serviced, including a rebuilt and tested fuel distributor, cleaned and tested fuel injectors, and a rebuilt, calibrated, and tested warm-up regulator. Vacuum connections were renewed as needed and routed according to the factory diagram. Additional engine work included servicing the cold-start air valve, testing the cold-start injector, cleaning the idle air valve threads, replacing idle-air and PCV hoses, installing a new air filter and gasket, testing the EGR valve, and removing the intake manifold to replace the lower seals and intake gaskets. Cooling system service included a new water bypass hose, intake-to-thermostat housing hose, upper and lower radiator hoses, coolant flush, and four new belts. The engine also received new valve cover gaskets, timing chain, cam sprockets, upper chain guides, and chain tensioner. Timing was checked and confirmed, and compression tested evenly at approximately 170 psi across all cylinders. Ignition service included a new coil, coil wire, distributor cap, rotor, ballast resistors, and non-resistor spark plugs.

This 450SL shows 112k miles on the odometer and is now offered by the seller with factory literature, a hardtop stand, 2 factory keys, service records, and a clean West Virginia title.

The seller has included the following videos: