Imagine stepping into a time machine and emerging thirty years into the future, it’s 2039. Picture yourself behind the wheel of a hardtop convertible from 2009, a vehicle with a history of three owners and a six-figure odometer reading. Would you anticipate a symphony of rattles, leaks, and squeaks? Most likely. And as we approach 2030, an era where flying cars and garbage-powered fusion generators might (finally) be a reality, would you expect this 2009 car to look somewhat… dated? Probably again.
However, fast forward to 2029, and amidst the futuristic vehicles, you’ll still find 1970s-era Mercedes-Benz cars gracefully navigating the roads. By then, they might exhibit a few rattles, leaks, or squeaks, and perhaps look a touch vintage. But today, in the present moment, a 1979 Mercedes 450sl stands as a testament to enduring quality. This morning, I drove a 1979 450SL to an appointment. Just weeks prior, this same car completed a cross-country journey, unfazed by rain, snow, and sunshine. It’s remarkable – no rattles, no leaks, no squeaks. It feels as robust and solid as it did when it first left the factory in Stuttgart decades ago. This machine is truly built like a tank, a testament to Mercedes-Benz engineering of that era.
The R107: Engineering Excellence and Design Inspired by Strength
The 1979 Mercedes 450SL, part of the R107 chassis series, reveals its lineage to the previous W113 SL “Pagoda” model, especially when equipped with its removable hardtop. In fact, the engineering team behind the R107 affectionately nicknamed it “der Panzerwagen,” or “the Tank Car.” This moniker wasn’t accidental; one of their primary objectives was to not just meet, but exceed stringent safety regulations that threatened the very existence of the roadster body style. The German approach to engineering, as demonstrated in the 450SL, is clearly about building with immense strength and durability.
Stylistically, the R107’s design, characterized by its blend of robust slab-sided shapes and long, sweeping curves, draws more inspiration from the formidable Panzerkampfwagen “Königstiger” tank than its more delicate predecessors like the W198 and W113 “Sport Leicht” series. While earlier SL models boasted six-cylinder engines, the 1979 450SL, and the entire R107 range, is powered by a V-8 engine. It inherited features like overhead camshafts and fuel injection, maintaining a technological link to its forerunners, and visually, the removable, Pagoda-shaped hardtop further cements this connection. However, from the chassis up, the R107 is undeniably a unique, robust design – a “panzer-like” vehicle in its own right.
The Mercedes-Benz R107 was incredibly popular, with over a quarter of a million units produced during its impressive production run from 1971 to 1989. This was an era when Mercedes-Benz was synonymous with unparalleled quality, standing alone at the pinnacle of the luxury automotive world. They towered above the struggling remnants of Detroit’s and Coventry’s once-prestigious high-end brands like Cadillac, Lincoln, and Jaguar. At this time, BMW was just beginning its ascent into the luxury market, and Japanese automakers were primarily focused on the more affordable segments, leaving Mercedes unchallenged in its luxury domain.
Inside the 450SL: 1970s Refinement and Grand Touring Comfort
In 1979, a Mercedes-Benz 450SL carried a price tag of around $32,000. Adjusted for inflation to 2009, this equates to nearly $110,000 – just slightly less than the price of a Kia Rio at that time. What did this significant investment during the Carter administration buy you? A truly exceptional driving experience. The 450SL is a genuine grand tourer, designed for comfortable, high-speed journeys across continents, whether with the hardtop, soft top, or no top at all.
The interior of the 1979 450SL is snug yet remarkably comfortable for both the driver and passenger. The seats are upholstered in MB-Tex, Mercedes-Benz’s incredibly durable synthetic material, often compared to Kevlar in its resistance to wear, stains, and even punctures. Remarkably, despite its toughness, MB-Tex avoids the discomfort often associated with synthetic seats of the 70s. Leather was offered as an option but was not commonly chosen for the roadsters. While plush sheepskin seat covers were a popular aftermarket accessory during the disco era, thankfully, this particular 450SL example remains unadorned. Real wood trim elegantly accents the dashboard and center console, adding a touch of classic luxury.
The removable hardtop of the 450SL, while weighing around 90 pounds, is engineered for a secure, rattle-free, and watertight fit, thanks to its ingenious latching mechanism. Removing or installing it ideally requires two people, or the convenience of a garage-ceiling mounted pulley system. When not in use, the hardtop rests on a specially designed aluminum rack with casters, allowing it to be easily wheeled into storage. The rack itself can be disassembled and stored in the spacious trunk. The manually operated soft top folds neatly into a dedicated compartment behind the seats, preserving valuable trunk space – a thoughtful design detail often overlooked in contemporary convertibles. Whether you choose the hardtop or soft top, the 450SL provides a remarkably quiet ride, comparable to a coupe or sedan, even at higher speeds. Furthermore, unlike many convertibles, the 450SL offers excellent all-around visibility regardless of the top configuration.
Driving Dynamics and Performance of the ’79 450SL
While the 1979 Mercedes 450SL might appear substantial, especially with the oversized US-market bumpers, it’s actually a relatively compact two-seater. Parked alongside modern vehicles, its true dimensions become apparent. It sits low to the ground, making defensive driving a wise approach when surrounded by today’s larger SUVs and trucks – a situation where the excellent visibility becomes a significant advantage. Beyond a few stylistic cues typical of the 1970s, the 450SL possesses a timeless design that has aged gracefully, far better than many of its contemporaries from the disco era. With the top down, it could easily be mistaken for a car from almost any point in the last four decades, a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, minimalist design principles.
Turn the ignition key, and the 4.5-liter V-8 engine awakens with a subtle muscle-car rumble. The US-spec 3-speed automatic transmission prioritizes smooth, reliable operation over sporty performance. It performs its function without drama, though it won’t ignite any passionate driving desires. However, once in motion, the 450SL chassis reveals its German engineering pedigree with surprisingly agile and responsive handling. It’s equally at home cruising effortlessly on the autobahn or confidently navigating winding backroads. The car exhibits excellent turn-in and light, nimble steering. While not the quickest car in a straight line, the 450SL is genuinely enjoyable to drive when you choose to push it a bit harder.
On a racetrack, the 450SL isn’t going to win any speed contests (unless the competition is pedal-powered), but it will deliver miles of smiles and never embarrass its driver. In fact, its predictable and stable handling at the limits inspires confidence to explore its capabilities. The handling is neutral, progressing to gentle and predictable throttle-induced oversteer when pushed harder in corners. However, drag strip performance is not its forte, as the relaxed transmission will limit acceleration. The 1979 450SL is best described as a stately and refined sports/performance car. It embodies Stuttgart engineering but does so with understated elegance, unlike some performance cars that wear their capabilities more overtly.
Ownership Considerations for a Classic 450SL
The trade-off for the 450SL’s respectable performance is fuel consumption. Expect to see around 12-17 MPG, if you’re lucky. On the positive side, it runs perfectly well on regular unleaded gasoline, unlike many more temperamental classic cars that demand premium fuel. However, the 450SL is not an ideal winter car, particularly in colder climates. Its performance on snow and ice ranges from poor to downright treacherous. At the first sign of snow, it’s best to park it. The air conditioning systems in the 1977-1979 models can also be prone to issues, so if you live in a consistently hot climate, consider models from other years. In milder climates, however, this is less of a concern.
While not reaching the astronomical values of its gullwing supercar ancestor, the 1979 Mercedes 450SL was still a premium vehicle, the preferred choice for professionals of the 70s and 80s – doctors, bankers, dentists, and those enjoying a certain lifestyle. Thanks to its popularity, long production run, and exceptional build quality (arguably higher than almost any car built before or since), R107s are still readily available in good numbers. Many are even original-owner cars, and can be found today for around the price of a very basic new car. This makes the 1979 Mercedes 450SL a rare find: an affordable and reliable classic car that offers enjoyable open-top motoring at a relatively accessible price point. For those seeking a blend of classic style, robust engineering, and grand touring capability, the 1979 Mercedes 450SL remains a compelling and timeless choice.
