Original price: $21,945 (Equivalent to $103,595 in 2023)
On loan from: Estate of Ken Gilson, Lincoln, NE
Number made: 437 (North America)
Engine, etc.: 4.5 L, 8 cyl., top speed of 120 mph; zero-to-sixty in just over ten seconds; has original engine
Ken Gilson restored this car. Two of his grandsons drove for the first time in this car in the parking lot of a park in Lincoln, NE.
The Mercedes-Benz 450 SL was made from 1973 through 1980. Both the 350 and 450 SL were replacements for the 230, 250, and 280 SL models.
Standard equipment included a convertible soft-top and a metal hard-top could be ordered.
The “SL” stood for “Sport Light” or “Sport Leicht”. It was first used on the 300 SL Gullwing.
The 450SL had an overhead-cam V-8 engine with cast-iron block and aluminum heads. It had five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, an 8.0:1 compression ration and 180 h. p. at 4,750 RPM. The transmission was a three-speed automatic and stopping power was provided by disc brakes. Front suspension used unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, and a stabilizer bar. The rear had diagonal swing axles with stabilizer bar, semi-trailing arms, and coil springs.
The Mercedes-Benz R107 and C107 were made from 1971 until 1989. The 450SL was part of the R107 series.
Sales for the 450SL started in North America in 1972. They were called 350SL but had the 4.5L V-8. These models were renamed 450SL in 1973. Cars exported to the U. S. had lower compression 4.5L engines to meet stringent U. S. emission requirements but they still provided adequate power. U. S. models sold from 1976 – 1979 used the Bosch K Jetronic system, an entirely mechanical fuel injection system.
Front and rear bumpers were lengthened by 8 inches, front and rear, to comply with U. S. regulations mandating no damage in a 5 mph impact.
The 450SL was produced until 1980.
Sources: https://www.conceptcarz.com/z28990/mercedes-benz-450sl.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_R107_and_C107
Purchase price in 2023 dollars: https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1978?amount=21945
Google search: How many 1978 450SLs were made: https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+1978+mercedes+450s