Description
The R107 was produced from 1971 to 1989, during which time it was kept up to date with regular facelifts and new engines. Except for the G-Class, no other Mercedes-Benz has been produced for longer. In 1971, the completely new R107, an open two-seater with a fully retractable fabric top and removable hardtop, was a self-confident, sporty but luxurious vehicle and combined both performance and ride comfort perfectly. Technical innovations found in the R107 included the enhanced safety body development with an independent frame-floor unit made of sheets of different thicknesses to provide defined crumple behaviour, the fuel tank installed above the rear axle to protect it in the event of a collision, high-strength steels in the A-pillars and windscreen frame with its glued-in glass, as well as the interior with a new four-spoke safety steering wheel, padded surfaces and deformable elements as a contribution to passive safety. From March 1980, the SL was fitted with the ABS anti-lock brake system. Following the initial launch of the 350SL, in 1973, Mercedes launched the 165 kW (225 hp) 450 SL, also with an eight-cylinder engine - initially reserved for export to North America.
Production of the R107 ended in August 1989, after more than 18 years. Over that period, the Sindelfingen plant had produced a total of 237, 287 cars. Today, these open two-seaters are highly sought-after classics and the combination of luxury and sportiness still fascinates enthusiasts to this day.
This low milage 450SL was manufactured in Germany and first registered in the USA in 1980 in the name of a Jack S. Flowers who lived in Portland, Oregon. The car was then taken down to California when it was sold to its previous owner in the early 90’s with 25, 000 miles on the clock. Here the car was serviced and looked after by Mercedes Benz in Santa Monica (invoices present) and remained in California until the previous owner moved to Southampton, New York. From this time, the car was dry stored and looked after by local garages (invoices present). Due to most of the car’s life spent in California or being dry stored, the car’s body was in very good condition when it was purchased. It has a large file of receipts showing services with Mercedes Benz from 25, 000 miles and retains all the original owners documents and manuals, including the original brochure.
At the start of the current ownership (4 years ago), the car was subject to a two year refurbishment by a European Mercedes R107 specialist and a very long list of work was carried out. The engine was fully rebuilt with all the metal parts cleaned and galvanised and worn-out parts were replaced. While the engine was out, the whole car was inspected for rust (including the bulkhead) and only a small area was found in the boot floor and by the drivers side rear light. These areas were cut out, stripped back and replaced. As part of the refurbishment, the car has received a new exhaust, suspension, brakes, shocks, rear stabilisers, and many other mechanical parts and consumables. The power steering and the air-conditioning were refurbished with all broken parts replaced with Mercedes parts.
Cosmetically, the car was stripped back and repainted in the original factory Mercedes Black (040O) 31 colour. The soft top was replaced with the highest quality of Mohair replacement along with all new rubbers. The hard top rubbers and door rubbers were all also replaced and all the chrome on the car was polished. At this time, the original US specification bumpers and headlights were swapped out for genuine Mercedes European specification parts. The underside of the car was also rust proofed and the original 15-hole light alloy rims were refurbished.
On purchase, the original leather interior was torn on both seats and badly worn. The seats were been restored, re-stuffed and recovered in new black Italian leather. The carpets were all properly cleaned and re-dyed as well as all of the wood trim in the car restored. The car still has its original Becker Radio Mexico Cassette Full Stereo player which works well.
Photos and invoices for all the work can be provided.
Since the restoration, the car has been serviced annually and maintained by both TM Motors (Mercedes specialist) and Mercedes Brooklands for which all the invoices are present. It has also proved popular for use in music videos, product launches and photo shoots.
The car still presents immaculately and has been prepared for another 40+ years of ownership in its rare black on black original colour and interior specification. It is showing just over 102, 000 miles on the odometer and is set to cover many more as Mercedes-Benz are so renowned for doing. The attention to detail in the restoration is remarkable and this car really has to be seen to be appreciated.
