Introduced in 1971, the Mercedes-Benz R107 SL succeeded the W113 SL “Pagoda,” embracing a contemporary silhouette with generous chrome accents. Technical advancements included a front crumple zone and rollover safety measures. Manufactured from 1971 to 1989, the R107 held the distinction of being the second-longest-produced Mercedes-Benz model at that time. This 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL was delivered by Atlanta Classic Cars Inc. of Decatur, Georgia, on August 20, 1980, to its first owner, Edwin Nalley. Finished in rare Thistle Green Metallic (DB 881) with Palomino MB-Tex upholstery and a dark brown soft top, this 450 SL was equipped with a fuel-injected, 4.5-liter V-8; three-speed automatic transmission; 14" “Bundt” alloy wheels; air-conditioning; a Becker Mexico cassette radio, which is still in situ; and a host of other luxury features. During his 35-year custodianship, Mr. Nalley safeguarded this 450 SL in a climate-controlled setting. On August 15, 2015, he sold the car, with the transfer document noting the SL had accumulated only 8,293 miles since new. Acquired by another Mercedes-Benz collector in 2022, this 450 SL’s odometer displayed a mere 10,849 miles at the time of cataloguing and presents in extraordinarily original and well-preserved condition throughout.

This final-year-of-production 450 SL is offered with its books, tools, jack, spare, matching hardtop, production data card, purchase records, and other documentation including the original window sticker. Finding another with such desirable colors, condition, and mileage will surely prove a challenge.