The 450 SL is one of the most successful Mercedes-Benz models of modern times. This 1979 example was purchased new by R.A. Saks from Beifus Mercedes-Benz in South Orange, New Jersey. During its lifetime, it has left its climate-controlled home only for brief exercise, and at the time of cataloguing it showed just 743 miles. With such care and sparing use, the 450 SL has been essentially unaffected by the elements and remains a fascinating time capsule. An exceptionally original example, down to the Michelin tires, it includes its factory-supplied owner’s folio with documents including the production data card, manuals, service book, pre-delivery inspection report, and top latch tools.

Further attesting to careful ownership, the soft top remained raised during decades of storage to preserve the integrity of the canvas and soft-plastic windows, with the color-matched hardtop stored alongside. The consignor, who acquired the 450 SL in 2016, has serviced the long-sequestered car and returned it to the road. He states that the automatic transmission and the 4.5-liter, V-8 engine function smoothly, and that the car drives as one would expect of a nearly unused example. The Astral Silver paint and black leather interior appear superb throughout. Factory options include the hardtop, automatic antenna, folding front armrest, heat-insulated glass, Tempomat cruise control, and Becker Mexico radio. Very well preserved with astonishingly low mileage, this 1979 Mercedes Benz 450 SL is clearly among the finest examples of a modern classic.