Lot 217: Mercedes-Benz 450SL

When the 107SL was introduced in 1971, it had to uphold the reputation of the very successful "Pagoda" model, which had been in production since 1963 and had proved to be very popular. The 107 continued the same basic design but was a little bigger and somewhat heavier than the "Pagoda". The disappearing hood mechanism and removable hard-top remained and the engine options now included the 3.5 litre V8, which powered the new saloon range. The 107SL was a hugely successful model, which remained in production for 17 years, largely unchanged. Engine options expanded to include a 2.8 straight six and V8's, which expanded to 5.6 litre by the end of the production run in 1989. This 1978 example has the 4520cc, V8 engine and is described as being in very good condition throughout. It is though to have covered juts 68,355 miles from new and is complete with both soft top and hard top. Finished in Carmen red with black leather interior and sitting on the original ally road wheels, the car has an MoT through to May 2009 and is taxed through to the end of September 2008.