1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Appears on Bring a Trailer Auction

A 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL in Silver Blue Metallic with a V8 engine and dual-roof setup has been listed for sale on Bring a Trailer, highlighting a late example of the R107 series.

A classic 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL has appeared for sale on the Bring a Trailer auction platform, representing one of the later examples of the R107 series. Production of the R107 began in 1971 and continued for nearly two decades, but the 1980 model year marked the final chapter for the 450SL itself before it was replaced in the lineup by the 380SL.

The car offered in the auction is finished in factory Silver Blue Metallic and paired with a blue leather interior. Like many SL models of the era, it retains both roof configurations: a dark blue soft top and a removable body-color hardtop. Equipment listed for the car includes 14-inch Bundt alloy wheels, fog lights, power windows, cruise control, and automatic climate control.

Under the hood sits a 4.5-liter V8 from Mercedes-Benz’s M117 engine family, equipped with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. In late U.S.-market versions of the 450SL, this engine produced around 160 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission.

One of the notable aspects of the listing is the ownership history. According to the seller, the car remained with the same owner from March 1995 until earlier this year. The odometer shows 121,000 miles, while the Washington title carries an “Exempt” designation for mileage — a common status for older vehicles where the odometer reading is not legally guaranteed.

The auction’s comment section reflects the typical concerns surrounding classic R107 models. Potential bidders asked about timing chain service, fuel system maintenance, rust in structural areas, and the performance of the air-conditioning system. The seller states that the engine remains original, the emissions equipment has not been modified, and no significant leaks have been observed. The air-conditioning system is said to function, though it does not cool as strongly as modern systems. No service records are available.

Such questions are not unusual for these cars. Buyers of the R107 series often focus on areas such as corrosion, timing chain wear, suspension components, and climate system operation — all well-known inspection points for the model.

The broader context adds to the car’s appeal. The R107 became one of the most successful SL generations, with more than 237,000 units produced. Known for combining grand-touring comfort with V8 performance and durable engineering, these roadsters have maintained a steady presence in the classic Mercedes market.

This particular example illustrates the character of a late 450SL: a comfortable American-market specification with K-Jetronic injection, a V8 engine, and the traditional dual-roof configuration. Its factory color combination, long-term ownership history, and largely original configuration give the listing a sense of completeness even without documented service records.