Here is a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Roadster which has been in the hands of the current owner for 12 years. It was refinished by a previous owner in blue which is presented over a contrasting tan MB-Tex interior. It is powered by the original 4.5 litre V8 engine to drive the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. It is equipped with a blue soft top, 14” painted steel wheels with Mercedes-Benz covers, four-wheel disc brakes, power steering and includes a colour-matched hardtop.

The 450SL was fitted with slimmer bumpers than subsequent versions and these bumpers are chrome-accented. Each bumper is equipped with bumperettes and there are fog lights mounted below up front. There is a power antenna with quad headlights bookending the grille centred by a prominent three- pointed star. Imperfections in the exterior are shown up close in our photo gallery. The soft top is a dark blue with vinyl windows and pictured in the gallery.

There is a set of older H-rated Michelin MXV Radial X tires with good tread lining the factory steel wheels with Mercedes caps. The tire size at all four corners is 205/70R14. Underneath is a set of four-wheel disc brakes with power assist, while power steering is also equipped. Side mirrors are chrome capped and the tool for operating the tops is included.

On the interior, there are two bucket seats covered in tan MB-Tex. Wear shows on each though the MB-Tex is free of perforation. The stock radio was replaced in favour of an Alpine AM/FM/cassette head unit with Auto-Reverse. While power windows and air conditioning were factory equipped, the air conditioner is not currently blowing cold. Behind the buckets is an area for parcels while the trunk is generous even while housing the full size spare tire and the original tool roll with tools.

From the driver’s seat through the four-spoke steering wheel is seen VDO instrumentation. The
maximum reading on the speedometer is 160 MPH while the adjacent tachometer maxes out at 7000 RPM with a 5800 RPM redline. To the left is a multi-gauge showing fuel level, coolant temperature and oil pressure. There is a matching VDO analog clock built into the dash in between two fresh air vents. The six-digit odometer shows under 137,000 miles – believed original, though not verifiable.

The 4.5 litre V8 is fed by Bosch mechanical fuel injection and was factory-rated at 190 horsepower with 240 lb.-ft of torque at hand. Driven minimally and not needing major repair during the current custodian’s tenure, it has been treated to regular maintenance.

This 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Roadster with Colour-Matched Hardtop is available with cover, two keys and the owner’s manual from the owner in Cambridge, Ontario.

The under-hood option code listing in the photo gallery decodes as follows:
593 – green heat-insulating glass, all-around
455 – tank lock and windshield laminated glass
491 – US version
502 – outside rear-view mirror on the right
515 – Becker radio (since changed)
585 – Behr air conditioner and electric window lifters
050 – white (since changed)