450SL roadster, lots of updates

Wow. what a fun vehicle to drive!  Turn it loose and it just hugs the road seeming to be more stable as the speed increases.   Close the door and hear solid machined/cast parts. not bent sheet metal.   All around something to enjoy and show off.   And spring is just around the corner - put the top down. a cd in the player and enjoy . for a low vintage car purchase price.   And the resell price. according to the Hagerty Insurance site. has been stable for some time.

This 450SL is a very well maintained three owner vehicle with mileage on the lower side for a 40 year old vehicle.   It was purchased in Missouri ($15642. I have the original window sticker) and shipped to California in 1979 upon the original owner's retirement.  When they could no longer drive their son drove it to New Jersey for a few years before I purchased it from him in '08. The car was always garaged. according to the son. nbsp;when owned by he or his parents.   It has been stored in a environmentally controlled building since I have owned it along with my show vehicles.  

The son said he put over $2000 in parts and labor while he owned it replacing many aging rubber items and tired parts but failing to fully correct the rich running motor.   If you are not familiar with this motor it has a two piece intake manifold with rubber sleeve seals between the halves.   If they have not been replaced since the car was manufactured it probably will run rich - if at all.   I replaced these seals (a chore even for the accomplished DIY person). all vacuum lines. the MAP sensor. tuned the ECU. and had all the injectors professionally cleaned (one leaking one replaced).   Now the motor runs very nice (I suggest running ethanol free fuel. but regular E10 will work) with no appreciable oil consumption.   I like a reliable vehicle so I also replaced the electric fuel pump. in tank and inline fuel filters (also flushed the tank). transmission filter and fluid. transmission vacuum modulator for a firmer shift. and lastly some window and convertible top seals.   Repair receipts will be included with the car going back to '81. complete since I have owned it.   I ran a compression test on all cylinders when I bought it. all were good with acceptable cylinder to cylinder variation.   I installed a narrow band oxygen sensor in the exhaust system but have not installed the planned monitoring gauge.

The car sells with all factory documentation. after market repair manual. and one maintenance cd.   I have several spare parts that go with it including the fog lights that just bolt back on (didn't like the looks with them on).   The hardtop has a roll around carrier (pictured) that goes with the car if it is picked up at the time of vehicle pickup. otherwise it will be deemed abandoned and scrapped.   The owner's son installed a nice Kenwood CD player. three way rear deck speakers complimenting the front dash speakers. and a Boss 500W 2 ch power amp to complete the sound package for when the top is down!  Tires are Bridgestone with almost 1/4" remaining tread.   The spare in in good condition. the jack and factory tools are present along with the original convertible top lock tools. and an original key set.

I have bought several vehicles on eBay. some well described and some not so.   So I always try to describe all known issues and warts when I sell where a buyer from me should not be negatively surprised.   The body is solid and straight.   The car has been repainted once and that is showing age; it is a nice 10' to 15' finish - but it is a driver finish.   The right fender has some paint pin holing and a hardly noticeable top fender wave caused by tire tread separation repair (experienced during the son's drive back to NJ from California).   There is some paint discoloration on both rear fenders (pictured one side) I assume from when the vehicle was repainted.   There is a scratch on the soft top cover (pictured). at the rear center top lock down hole. from the hard top slipping during installation. nbsp;I presume.     The convertible top is tight with no tears and clear rear window.   The seats do not have any tears in the leather but as you would expect show wear as they are the originals.   The rear deck carpet has sun faded to a different shade than the rest of the carpet.   I will include a sample/source for a low cost. fairly easy to install replacement flat deck carpet.   The dash has a very small sun crack I have sealed and is barely noticeably.   The vacuum actuated heater control valve is not correct (single vs dual vacuum line model) and needs to be replaced to keep from swapping vacuum lines between summer and winter driving - just haven't taken the time as I do not drive it in the winter. The A/C has been converted to 134 refrigerant and was working upon my receipt but may need charging as I do not use A/C in a convertible.   The front glass has a slight wiper streak in the glass I was going to have my glass shop buff out. just never got around to it.   The front bumper stainless cover has a couple of small dimples where a front license plate mounting bracket pushed against it and both front and rear bumper stainless could benefit from buffing.   The last time I checked everything else not discussed above worked without issue but if you want something in particular checked. photographed. nbsp;or reported on let me know.   It is in overall very good condition - a nice driver vehicle.

A quality. nice fitting cover I purchased goes with the vehicle.

Why am I selling it - time to get another vehicle to enjoy for awhile!  Pricing. here are some current price guides to help validate my price is very reasonable.   Hagerty (where it is insured): #3. good condition - $12. 00; #4. fair - $6700.   NADA low retail $9750.   Collectorcarmarket. com: #2. VG - $13750; #3. good - $8800; #4. fair - $5800.   Please feel free to verify these numbers.   My asking price is reasonable. on the low side actually given what all that has been updated to strive for a reliable vehicle.   If you would like to make a counter offer great. just be realistic where our collective time is not wasted.

OK. now the legal stuff.   The $500 down payment is via PayPal nlt 48 hours after purchase.   Five percent additional PayPal down payment is due from an international buyer and is not applied toward the remaining balance due.   The purchase price balance is due by cashiers check. or cash if picked up in person. within 7 business days of purchase.   The vehicle will not be released to you or a carrier for four business days after receipt of a cashier check for the final amount due.   The deposit is non-refundable.   It is your responsibility to secure a carrier to transport the car. and exporter if an international purchase - I will get it to the end of my driveway. then it is the transporter's responsibility for safe handling and transport.   I will hold the car for 30 days after purchase. at no cost. in a controlled secure building with my other antique cars but you agree I am not liable for loss or damage.   After 30 days storage there will be a $10/day storage fee added until pickup payable before release.   I will report non-payment to eBay for appropriate action.

With that said I enjoy cars. restoring. building. and driving them - it is my hobby.   I do it for the fun of it but I am not a professional.   As I said earlier. I really have tried to give you the best description of the vehicle I can as I have bought several eBay vehicles - some well described. some not.   I want your experience to be a good one with me (100% rating) and this wonderful 450SL waiting to give you years of enjoyment!

I would be pleased to show the vehicle to you or your representative.

Thanks for the consideration.

Also published at eBay.com

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