Following up on my recent 2009 SL600 feature story, I wanted to roll back the clock to about 30 years prior and review an example of a Mercedes roadster from the disco era. This one has an unmistakably unique identity.
The Pick of the Day is a 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Yorba Linda, California. (Click the link to view the listing)
We had better talk about that color before we dive into any other commentary on the car, because – let’s be honest – its undoubtedly the first thing that caught your eye (and mine). Over its model lifespan between model years 1971 and 1989, the “R107” SL-Series was offered in a staggering 110 different colors. They are documented in The Complete R107 SL Mercedes Color Photo Guide.
Scanning the catalog, there are a few colors that come remotely close to purple, but certainly nothing as vivid as what we see on today’s feature car. The custom hue extends to the removable hardtop and even the hubcaps. “Striking” is putting it lightly. Aside from the eye-catching purple color, the seller stays that most of the rest of the car is original. It as reportedly been garage-kept, and it has lived in California and New Mexico, so the body is rust-free. A replacement convertible top is included with the sale, but it has not yet been installed.
The seller says that the car, “Drives good, shifts good,” and that a large service was carried out in 2021 which included replacement of the distributor, pressure regulator, fuel lines, accumulator, muffler, spark plugs, tie rod assemblies, rear sway bar, and battery. This heavy-duty maintenance carried a price tag of $5,500. Hopefully with those items taken care of, the buyer can drive away with peace of mind.
Almost any nearly 50-year-old car will of course have its quirks, and the seller says that the heater dial in this car is touchy, and the air conditioning system needs some attention.
Even considering these issues, the asking price of $11,000 seems like a fair entry point for a rust-free car with a great deal of recent service. In addition to the uninstalled replacement convertible top, this includes a car cover, an owner’s manual, a maintenance manual, and a first aid kit.
As you passionate about purple? Look no further than this Mercedes-Benz SL.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
