Imagine fast-forwarding to the year 2039. You’re behind the wheel of a convertible, a hard-top model from 2009, a vehicle with a few owners and a healthy six-figure mileage on its clock. Would you be surprised to hear a few rattles, notice a leak, or perhaps a squeak or two? Probably not. Would you expect it to look somewhat dated as we approach an era of flying cars and fusion-powered vehicles? Likely.
However, in 2029, you’ll still find Mercedes-Benz cars from the 1970s cruising the roads. They might have a rattle, a leak, or a squeak by then, and perhaps show their age aesthetically. But not today. Just this morning, I drove a 1979 Mercedes Benz 450sl to an appointment. And just weeks prior, this very car completed a cross-country journey, navigating rain, snow, and sunshine. It’s remarkably solid. No rattles, no leaks, and absolutely no squeaks. This 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL feels as robust today as it did when it first left the factory in Stuttgart over four decades ago. This machine is built like a tank.
The 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL with its pagoda-shaped hard top, showcasing its design lineage from the iconic W113 SL.
The “Panzerwagen” Legacy of the R107 Mercedes SL
The engineers behind the R107 series, which includes the 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL, famously nicknamed it “der Panzerwagen” – the tank car. This moniker wasn’t accidental; it was born from a design philosophy that prioritized meeting and exceeding stringent safety regulations that threatened the very existence of the roadster. It seems the German engineers indeed knew a thing or two about building robust vehicles.
Stylistically, the R107 chassis, with its blend of strong lines and gently curving edges, arguably owes more to the powerful lines of the Panzerkampfwagen “Königstiger” tank than to its more gracefully curved predecessors, the W198 and W113 “Sport Leicht” series. Unlike the six-cylinder engines of the Gullwing and Pagoda models, the 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL is powered by a V-8 engine. It shares features like overhead cams and fuel injection with its lineage, and visually nods to the past with its pagoda-shaped removable hard top. However, beneath the surface, the R107 stands as its own tank-like design.
The R107 generation was incredibly popular, with over a quarter of a million units produced during its long run from 1971 to 1989. This era was when Mercedes-Benz truly embodied “quality,” standing unchallenged at the pinnacle of luxury automobiles, far above the struggling high-end brands from Detroit and Coventry like Cadillac, Lincoln, and Jaguar. At the time, BMW was just beginning its ascent into the luxury market, and Japanese automakers were primarily competing in the more affordable segments.
A side-by-side view highlighting the design evolution from the classic Mercedes Benz 300SL (W194) to the R107 series, showcasing the 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL.
Inside the 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL: A Blend of Comfort and Durability
In 1979, a Mercedes Benz 450SL carried a price tag of around $32,000. Adjusted for inflation, that’s nearly $110,000 in today’s money. What did this significant investment buy you during the Carter administration? A truly exceptional driving experience. The 450SL is a grand tourer in the truest sense, capable of effortless and comfortable long-distance journeys on the Autobahn, whether with the hard top on or enjoying open-top motoring.
The interior is cozy yet comfortable for both driver and passenger. The seats are upholstered in MB-tex, Mercedes-Benz’s remarkably durable synthetic material, often compared to Kevlar for its resistance to wear, stains, and even punctures, while still providing surprising comfort unlike many other synthetic seats of the 70s. Leather upholstery was an option, but rarely chosen for these roadsters. Real wood trim adorns the dashboard and center console, adding a touch of classic luxury.
The removable hard top, weighing around 90 pounds, requires two people or a garage-mounted lift for removal and installation. However, the latching mechanism is brilliantly designed, ensuring a tight, rattle-free, and leak-proof fit. When removed, the hard top rests on a specially designed aluminum rack with wheels, allowing for easy storage in a closet or garage corner. The rack itself can be easily disassembled for compact storage in the car’s generous trunk. The soft top manually folds away into a dedicated compartment behind the seats, preserving valuable trunk space. Both tops utilize the same windscreen latches, and with either top in place, the cabin remains as quiet as a coupe or sedan, offering excellent all-around visibility in any configuration, a rarity for convertibles.
The well-preserved interior of a 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL, showcasing the blend of functional design and quality materials typical of 1970s Mercedes-Benz.
The ingeniously designed hard top storage cart for the Mercedes Benz 450SL R107, emphasizing the thoughtful engineering of the vehicle.
Driving the 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL: Timeless Performance
Despite its seemingly large appearance, especially with the prominent US-market bumpers, the R107 Mercedes Benz 450SL is actually a relatively compact two-seater. Parked next to modern vehicles, its true dimensions become apparent. Its low stance enhances its road presence and contributes to its nimble handling.
Turning the ignition key brings the 4.5-liter V-8 engine to life with a subtle muscle-car rumble. The US-spec 3-speed automatic transmission prioritizes smooth, utilitarian performance over sporty engagement. However, once in motion, the chassis reveals its Teutonic engineering, offering surprisingly agile and responsive handling. The 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL is equally comfortable cruising at high speeds on the Autobahn or tackling winding backroads. It boasts excellent turn-in and light, responsive steering. While not the quickest car, it provides ample driving enjoyment and inspires confidence, maintaining neutral handling with predictable oversteer at its performance limits. Drag strip performance might be underwhelming due to the relaxed transmission, but the 450SL excels as a refined and stately sports/performance car, embodying Stuttgart engineering without ostentation.
A Mercedes Benz 450SL R107 surprisingly taking on a racetrack, highlighting its unexpected agility and handling capabilities.
Owning a 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL: Practical Considerations
The trade-off for its respectable performance is fuel consumption. The 450SL typically achieves around 12-17 MPG, which is not particularly economical by modern standards. However, it thankfully runs on regular unleaded gasoline, unlike some more demanding classic cars. The 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL is also not ideal for winter driving in snowy climates. Its performance on snow and ice is poor, prone to losing traction and control even with minimal snowfall. For those in warmer climates, it’s worth noting that the air conditioning systems in the 1977-1979 models can be prone to issues. However, in milder climates, this is less of a concern.
A humorous depiction of a Mercedes Benz 450SL R107 encountering winter driving conditions, emphasizing its limitations in snow and ice.
While not reaching the astronomical values of its Gullwing predecessor, the R107 Mercedes Benz 450SL was still a premium vehicle, favored by professionals and enthusiasts in the 70s and 80s. Thanks to its long production run, robust build quality, and enduring popularity, 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL models are still readily available. Many are well-maintained, often from single-owner garages, and can be acquired for a price comparable to a base model modern car. This makes the 1979 Mercedes Benz 450SL a rare find: an affordable, reliable classic car offering enjoyable open-top driving at a relatively accessible price point.
