1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

2dr Roadster

8-cyl. 4520cc/180hp Bosch FI

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$14,400*

-2.7%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$5k$10kJan 2025

Forecasted valuesBeta

We have forecasted how much values for the 1972-1980 Mercedes-Benz 350SL / 450SL will change over the next year.
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1972-1980 Mercedes-Benz 350SL / 450SL stats
Highest sale
$117,600
Lowest sale
$550
Most recent sale
$14,175
Sales
1207

Photos

39 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
insurance

Protect your 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL from the unexpected for only $162 per year**

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**Figure based on a stock 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL valued at $14,400 with OH rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, state and other factors. Hagerty determines final risk acceptance.

Model overview

Model description

The Mercedes-Benz SL name has always signified a certain level of automotive style and sophistication, and each new generation seems both to define and be defined by its era. Such was the case when the R107 model SL came on the scene in 1971 as a replacement for the popular 230/250/280SL W113 series. The family of models existed with minimal changes until 1989, a remarkable production run for a luxury convertible.

With the R107, Mercedes debuted a V-8 engine in the convertible lineup, which was necessary given the new SL’s relative girthy 3400-pound weight. Styling was typically conservative and somewhat reminiscent of the pagoda top cars, and despite dimensions more or less the same, the R107 appeared to be much larger.

The first-year 1972 cars were dubbed 350SL in keeping with the model designation for Europe, despite actually carrying a 4.5-liter V-8 underhood. The fuel-injected V-8 featured an overhead cam and delivered 230 horsepower. It was paired with a three-speed automatic, with no manual transmission on offer. Suspension was fully independent and four-wheel disc braking was standard.

Also in 1972, the car’s name was revised and 450SL would be the model designation moving forward. Another revision was the way in which horsepower was rated, and the new SAE net meant the 450SL’s power was listed at 190 hp. The following year, the 450SL grew large safety bumpers front and rear in keeping with federal regulations. In 1975, emissions requirements reduced output to 180 hp with the addition of a catalytic converter.

In 1976, the SL was fitted with a continuous fuel injection system, as well as transistorized ignition. Two years later, in 1978, Mercedes introduced automatic climate control and 14-inch aluminum wheels as standard equipment. The cars went unchanged in 1979, and in 1980, the fuel injection system was revised, further cutting power from 180 hp to 160 hp.

The 450SL model ended production with the 1980 model year, and its 380SL replacement would carry the torch into the 1980s. Before it was gone, however, the 450SL averaged about 6,000 units annually. When paired with their renowned reputation, they are easy to locate today and make for very comfortable top-down cruisers.

Vehicle specifications

  • Shipping Weight3730 lbs
  • Vehicle Length182.3 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches96.9 in
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Common Questions

The value of a 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $14,400 for a 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL at auction over the last three years was $102,850. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL at auction over the last three years was $5,050. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 44 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SLs sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SL was $18,700 on January 21, 2025 by Barrett-Jackson.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.