Registration No: FVL 120M
Chassis No: 10704422018934
MOT: May 2022

• Retained by its first owner for twenty-six years with an accompanying handwritten log detailing journeys during that time
• Notably early example that retains its original radio, tool roll and interior plus much of its factory applied paintwork
• Just recommissioned and serviced, said to 'drive very, very well'

Nicknamed 'der Panzerwagen' by Mercedes-Benz's own development engineers, the R107-series was more structurally rigid than some contemporary saloons! Introduced in 1971, the Convertible was styled by Friedrich Geiger whose other credits included the 540K, 300SL (W198) Gullwing and W113 Pagoda. Always more of a grand tourer than an out and out sports car, the vast majority were specified with automatic transmission. Powered by a 4520cc SOHC V8 engine, the 450SL model was quoted as developing some 225bhp and 278lbft of torque. A strong 120mph-plus performer, it remained in production until 1980.

A seemingly strange choice for a chauffeur-driven vehicle, an accompanying handwritten log indicates that chassis 018934 was used as just that by its first owner, John Roberts. A successful architect with offices in Lincoln and London, one of the journal’s entries reads: ‘Mrs Roberts to Harrods and Wimpole Street’. Main dealer serviced up until 1986 at 37,000 miles, the Mercedes-Benz remained part of the Roberts’ family for twenty-six years. Changing hands a further three times since then, this remarkable 450SL has covered a mere 54,000 miles from new (with less than 3,000 of those being accrued over the last sixteen years). Remarkably well preserved, the Mercedes-Benz has had some minor remedial paintwork but retains its original interior, radio and tool roll. A testament to the Stuttgart marque’s legendary build quality, ‘FVL 120M’ is said to ‘drive very, very well’. Recently recommissioned and serviced, it is described by the vendor as being in ‘very good / excellent’ (bodywork) or ‘excellent overall’ (engine, automatic gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, paintwork) condition. Decidedly handsome with its White paintwork offset by Black Cloth upholstery and Black hard- / soft-tops (plus matching hub cap centres), this delightful 450SL is worthy of a close inspection and a great way to celebrate the R107’s 50th Anniversary. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, handbooks, stamped service book, journey log and fresh MOT.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737