Imagine stepping into 2039, cruising in a hard-top convertible from 2009. It’s seen a few owners, clocked a respectable mileage. Would you anticipate rattles, leaks, or squeaks? Probably. Would it look outdated as we approach an era of flying cars and fusion-powered vehicles? Likely. Yet, even in 2029, you’ll still find 1970s Mercedes-Benz cars gracefully navigating the roads. They might show their age with a few noises or leaks, but today, driving a 1979 450SL is a different experience altogether.
Just this morning, I drove this very 1979 450SL to an appointment. Weeks prior, it completed a cross-country journey through diverse weather conditions – rain, snow, and sunshine. The remarkable thing? No rattles, no leaks, no squeaks. It feels as robust as it did when it left the Stuttgart factory decades ago. This machine is undeniably built to last.
The 1979 Mercedes 450SL with its hard top evokes the classic Mercedes-Benz design lineage, reminiscent of the iconic W113 ‘Pagoda’ SL.
The engineers behind the R107, the chassis of this 450SL, nicknamed it “der Panzerwagen” – the Panzer Wagon. Their mission was to meet, or even exceed, stringent safety standards that threatened the very existence of the roadster. It seems German engineering prowess extends beyond tanks. Stylistically, the R107’s design, with its blend of solid forms and sweeping curves, draws more inspiration from the formidable Panzerkampfwagen “Königstiger” tank than its elegant predecessors, the W198 and W113 “Sport Leicht” series. Unlike the six-cylinder engines in the earlier Gullwing and Pagoda Benzes, the R107 is powered by a V-8 engine. It shares features like overhead cams and fuel injection with its forerunners and maintains a visual link with a Pagoda-shaped removable hard top. However, from the chassis up, it’s a unique, robust design.
This model was incredibly popular, with over a quarter of a million produced during its lengthy run from 1971 to 1989. This era was when Mercedes-Benz truly embodied “quality,” standing unchallenged at the pinnacle of luxury automobiles, towering over the declining fortunes of Detroit and Coventry’s premium brands like Cadillac, Lincoln, and Jaguar. At this time, BMW was just beginning its ascent into the luxury market, and Japanese manufacturers were primarily competing in lower segments.
Comparing the R107 1979 Mercedes 450SL with its ‘genetic grandparent’, the iconic 300SL (W194), showcases the heritage and evolution of Mercedes-Benz roadster design.
In 1979, this 450SL retailed for around $32,000, which, adjusted for today’s money, is nearly $110,000. What did that significant sum get you during the Carter administration? A truly exceptional vehicle. The 450SL is a grand tourer in the truest sense, capable of comfortable, long-distance journeys on the Autobahn, whether with the hard top, soft top, or no top at all. The interior is intimate yet comfortable for both occupants. The seats are upholstered in MB-Tex, Mercedes-Benz’s resilient synthetic leather, known for its resistance to wear, stains, and even tears, while surprisingly maintaining a level of comfort unlike many other synthetic seats from the 70s. Leather was an optional upgrade but rarely chosen for these roadsters, although aftermarket sheepskin seat covers were a popular disco-era accessory, thankfully absent in this example. Genuine wood trim adorns the dashboard and centre console, adding a touch of classic luxury.
The removable hard top, weighing approximately 90 pounds, requires two people or a garage-mounted lift for removal and installation. However, the latching system is ingeniously designed, ensuring a secure, rattle-free, and leak-proof fit. When removed, the hard top rests on a purpose-built aluminium trolley with wheels, allowing it to be easily stored in a garage corner or closet. The trolley itself can be disassembled into smaller components, which can be conveniently stored in the spacious boot. The soft top manually folds away into a dedicated compartment behind the seats, cleverly preserving boot space. When raised, it secures to the windscreen using the same latches as the hard top. Regardless of the top configuration, the cabin remains remarkably quiet, comparable to a coupe or saloon, even at higher speeds. Unlike many convertibles, visibility is excellent in all top configurations.
The interior of the 1979 Mercedes 450SL offers a snug and well-appointed space for a car of its era, featuring durable MB-Tex upholstery and real wood trim.
While it might appear substantial, particularly with the large US-market bumpers, the R107 is actually a compact two-seater. Parked beside a modern vehicle, its true dimensions become apparent. Its low stance means defensive driving is advisable when surrounded by today’s larger SUVs, making the excellent visibility a valuable asset. Beyond a few 1970s styling cues, its design possesses a timeless quality that has aged far more gracefully than many of its contemporaries from the disco era. Especially with the top down, it could easily be mistaken for a car from any time in the last four decades. This enduring appeal stems from its simple shapes and minimalist, uncluttered design.
The 1979 Mercedes 450SL’s dimensions are surprisingly compact, revealing its true scale when seen alongside contemporary vehicles.
Turn the ignition, and the 4.5-litre V-8 engine emits a subtle muscle-car rumble. The US-specification 3-speed automatic transmission is not designed for thrilling performance, but it performs its function reliably and without fuss. However, once in motion, the chassis reveals its German engineering heritage with surprisingly agile and engaging handling. It cruises effortlessly at motorway speeds and confidently tackles winding back roads. The steering is responsive and light, contributing to nimble handling. While not the quickest car, it offers genuine driving enjoyment when pushed.
Despite its grand tourer nature, the 1979 Mercedes 450SL demonstrates surprising agility and poise even on a racetrack setting.
On a track, it’s not going to win races against modern sports cars, but it will provide miles of smiles and never feel out of its depth. In fact, its predictable handling inspires confidence to explore its limits. Neutral handling transitions into gentle and controllable throttle oversteer when pushed harder in corners. However, drag strip performance is hampered by the leisurely automatic transmission. The R107 is a refined and dignified sports/performance car. It’s unmistakably from Stuttgart but carries its sporting credentials with understated elegance, unlike some more overtly sporty marques.
The performance of the 1979 Mercedes 450SL is sufficient to warrant attention from law enforcement, even in a state known for open roads like Montana.
The trade-off for this respectable performance is fuel consumption, which is not economical by modern standards. The 450SL typically achieves around 12-17 MPG, if you are lucky. Fortunately, it runs perfectly well on regular unleaded fuel, unlike some classic cars that demand premium fuel. It’s also not ideal for winter driving in colder climates. Performance in snow and ice ranges from poor to alarming. It’s prone to losing traction and sliding at the slightest hint of snow. Best to store it away when temperatures drop. The air conditioning systems, particularly in the ’77-’79 models, can be temperamental, so consider this if you live in a hot climate. However, in milder regions, this is less of a concern.
Potential owners should be aware of the 1979 Mercedes 450SL’s limitations in snowy or icy conditions, making it less suitable as a winter car.
While not reaching the astronomical values of its Gullwing supercar predecessor, the R107 was still a premium car, the choice of professionals in the 70s and 80s: doctors, bankers, dentists, and those enjoying a certain lifestyle. Given its popularity, long production run, and build quality that was arguably superior to almost any car before or since, R107s are still readily available in good condition. Many are from long-term ownership, and can be acquired for a price comparable to a modern budget car. This makes the 1979 Mercedes 450sl a rare find: an affordable, reliable classic car offering enjoyable open-top motoring at a relatively accessible price point.
