1976 Mercedes 450 sl

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Iconic song that fits THIS car. In 1978 my parents looked @ Mercedes. Especially this car. The dad started looking back at American made cars. Cadillac was the car you bought in America when you "arrived" Mercedes and other builders overtook that spot. This model was also a convertible (why it's soooo heavy) It's looks were easy on the eye. Heck the TV series Hart to Hart had Stephanie Powers driving one! Mom had 3 Volvo's also. Like the Mercede's of the 70's-80's seats not to comfortable.

[@What.its.like.]

I looks alright I wouldn’t right home about it. Yeah song title is what I really think about this car. This is probably the biggest disappointment car I’ve reviewed all year so far.. because car doesn’t match the hype and people praise it because it’s Mercedes car sucks in my opinion just can’t believe for as over priced as it was 66,000 people still bought it. And maybe that’s why Cadillac made the allante or Chrysler join forces with Maserati to make the TC.. The car in the video had a hard top as well as a soft top the hardtop headliner was the same steering wheel wrap material used through-out just a super weird over priced pile

[@PanDownTiltLeft]

I bought one of these in 1988. A 76 just like you show here. At the time I already owned 2 911 SCs. As a roadster it did not have a back seat and that was expected. I sold the care a year after I bought it. Still have the 911s. My issues with the car were that it handled horribly. It reminded me more of a Lincoln with it's unresponsive steering and SUPER floaty ride. Performance was garbage due to the emissions regulations when it was made. That engine was capable of generating 370BHP if you ripped all the emissions crap off of it and tuned it. I too hated the way the back end dropped down when you put it in drive or when you floored it. Why did people buy it? I bought it because I liked the way it looked. Nothing more. People bought it for the prestige and the looks. I regretted buying it and sold it at a profit.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you for all of that, I don’t hate the car but I just can’t believe that that’s all one got for the price.. it still doesn’t make sense.. it’s not worth half of what they were asking just didn’t live up to the hype for me. I honestly think it handles worse than a Lincoln or Cadillac it doesn’t nosedive nearly as bad as those cars do but it doesn’t handle good for a small car it has just as much body lean as those cars do at half the size

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@@What.its.like. -More like a 'personal luxury car'... performance similar to other USA emissions slug gas hogs... As I recall, this M-B got hit with $1200 Gas Hog Tax... worse than most...

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Half the new price on Mercedes Benz in USA is importer and dealer markup/ripoff!

[@automatedelectronics6062]

The rear squatting was a result of the new rear independent suspension system. It was improved along the way and when they introduced the 560 SL, the car was state of the art. If you want to understand the not so great handling, that all sums up with the alignment specs. The alignment specs were more like a large American luxury car rather than a sporting model. In fact, those early SL's had negative rear camber, which gave it more like the feel of a station wagon. Other Mercedes of the era had aggressive alignment specs like a front caster angle of +10 degrees and a 0 degree camber. Aggressive specs like a Porsche 911 would have.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for that information =)

[@maddywendall2980]

My Favorite Mercedes are from the 50s on up to about 1990. Hope you can do a story on its sister the SLC and PLEASE do one on my ALL TIME Favorite car ever...the W116 MB 280-450SEand SELs and or the 300SD...probably The Most innovative car of its time of any car produced in the 20th century.

[@What.its.like.]

I’ll look for one I honestly never have been too impressed by Mercedes I like them before 1960 after that they are very eh yes they have made some nice new cars but I’ve never been drawn to them maybe that’s just me. Honestly never had enough money to afford one

[@charleshamilton9274]

I actually owned one of these back in the day for the year I lived in LA after college. I remember the salesman at the dealership telling me that Mercedes was referred to as a “Beverly Hills Chevrolet.” I recall having a lifting mechanism installed in the garage for the hardtop shell. What a pain in the ass. The newest iteration of the SL looks outstanding. This was fun to watch and brought back some pleasant memories!

[@daveallen8824]

These things were gold chains for the rich, ok? Having said that, you have to understand that this was NOT a luxobarge like the Lincoln or Caillac. They would never have been cross-shopped. This was a luxury sports car, and will certainly outhandle and outperform any of the vehicles you want to copare it with. It was a bankers hot rod, shall we say. Overpriced? Oh, hell yes!! Would have been cross shopped with a Jaguar XJ12 or a maybe a big BMW. Still overpriced, but that would have been the competition.

[@What.its.like.]

I understand it’s not a large barge but those cars were cheaper and rode better, got better or the same fuel mileage, seats are better.. cheaper to fix Lincoln interior is way better in my opinion. I haven’t been in the bmw yet I reviewed the jag xke v12 and that car is worlds better $9,000 the Mercedes cost almost twice that and wasn’t anywhere near that cost of car in my opinion the bmw 2002 was $6,500 in 76 which is pretty reasonable all things considered Bentley was $67,000

[@gene978]

Exclusivity is why you bought these cars. You were SOMEONE who was very Wealthy.

[@What.its.like.]

More money than brains I guess

[@juliosantana2095]

ELEGANCE, LUXIURY, CLASS ROMANCE, SEX, BEAUTY, PRESTIGE, STAR QUALITY ON AND ON AND ONNNNN... THA'S THE POINT !!!

[@What.its.like.]

This car was the biggest disappointment that I’ve ever recorded because of what you said you can get both the Lincoln and Cadillac for the price of this car plus build a A garage to put it in and this car is nowhere near as nice as this too it doesn’t ride is nice it’s not fast it’s not light it’s nothing that the car advertises to be. Parts are a fortune when they break Bosch electronic fuel injection is just a fancy way to say it’s going to cost a fortune when it breaks.. I’m just not a huge Mercedes Benz fan to be 100% honest they are all overrated for what they are. One day I will do a proper comparison between late 80s model and a Lincoln town car.. I am willing to bet the farm the Lincoln town car is faster and could be had cheaper and can just have more fun overall Mark v and Cadillac Eldorado both are better cars than this in every way.. all this Mercedes is.. is a hype car and doesn’t live up to the hype for me. The seats were some of the most uncomfortable seats I ever sat on and that’s called luxury??

[@nathanjoseph4284]

This car is the same EXACT color as the gravy on the poutine I'm having for dinner tonight :)

[@What.its.like.]

The color was very 70s

[@nathanjoseph4284]

@@What.its.like. I agree! "Earthy" colors were very popular and trendy in the 1970s, such as orange, brown, avocado green, etc.

[@DSP1968]

I really enjoy all of your videos, Jay. With respect to this car: I'm not a big fan, and drove one of these owned by a friend in the early '80s. It was very quiet but felt very heavy. With respect to the price: this car is all about status, so Mercedes was always charging as much as they thought they could get away with, which also ensured exclusivity. Also, the exchange rate of the German Mark vs. the US Dollar in this era was not favorable to us in the US at all, which I'm sure was the cause of some of the price increase. Also, I can pretty much guarantee you that when these cars were new, no one was cross shopping these with Cadillacs or Lincolns, or probably any other American car. And... no backseat in these. If you wanted a "sporty" big Mercedes with a backseat, you bought a 450SLC.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome information I’m glad you dig this channel =) Idk I never was drawn to Mercedes my mom bought one not even sure the model and I was like.. why?? She had a Cadillac Escalade and went to a Mercedes that could fit inside the Cadillac and complains everytime she needs an oil change because it costs north $100.. I don’t every plan on having a car that requires a $100 oil change that’s Literally throwing money away

[@maddywendall2980]

Song is Money For Nothing by Dire Straits

[@What.its.like.]

That’s it =)

[@glennso47]

Dire Straits also had a hit with The Sultans of Swing.

[@What.its.like.]

I love that song =) great grooving song

[@BELCAN57]

So heavy it was know as "The Panzer".

[@What.its.like.]

Have you ever seen the top gear episode British version with Jeremy Clarkson where they did quite my ride and they put a stone war in a Mercedes-Benz when I saw the weight of this one I immediately thought that

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@@What.its.like. - The 1990's 2 seater T-Bird must also have been made of cast iron...

[@What.its.like.]

I’ve seen a model a made of wrought iron

[@christopherkraft1327]

It seems like we got cut off!! ☹️ The 450SL was the car of choice for Bobby Ewing!! 🤠

[@What.its.like.]

It should be good now I just don’t get this car it’s nice don’t get me wrong but not worth the money they charged for it back in the day still getting used to the whole Premier layout thing

[@christopherkraft1327]

@@What.its.like. I just finished watching the video & I agree with you. I don't know what people see in them. Years ago one of my friends had one, I think I was an early eighties model & I drove it a few times & I was not impressed! It was an expensive POS!!! 💩

[@What.its.like.]

It’s not just a piece it’s a whole pile I just don’t get it.. I wanted to do it this versus that episode of this car versus the Cadillac from 76 and the Lincoln mark five but we sold this car unless it’s gone on Tuesday I might I might put something like that together my friend that I work with I was thinking about introducing zach to the channel as well as Trevor zach says it’s a masterpiece.. he has a couple of screws loose lol

[@christopherkraft1327]

@@What.its.like. Maybe his mama dropped him on his head when he was a baby!!! 🙄

[@What.its.like.]

He’s young lol I’m hoping next year do two specials sort of like top gear I really want to do cheap car challenge but do it for real not fake like take 3 $1,000 cars and see what it’s like. Have each of us come up with a challenge it will be so much fun..

[@jmp.t28b99]

I agree with you. I purchased a new 1977 450SL in 1977. I recall that it cost around $ 24,000 . It had low power V8 of 230 HP , had both tops and did squat in the back when accelerated from a stop. Being a muscle car guy, 67 Vette, 70 Vette, 70 GTO with the 455 HO, the Mercedes was a dog and I sold it after a year . If I only knew then what I know now. Started buying Corvette again in 2000, then 2008 and never regretted the pleasure of driving them. My days of great cars are behind me now. I drive a Honda Pilot now. It's just a car.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for that.. I just don’t get that car.. people in the car community put that car up on a pedestal and it sucks frankly like there isn’t anything good about it

[@automatedelectronics6062]

The 107 chassis actually was introduced in 1971. I was surprised myself when a customer brought one in for me to work on. When you work on a Mercedes you always need the production date and chassis(V.I.N.) number. This particular car was manufactured in 1971. The seats were leather. German market cars had cloth/vinyl seats. Another thing which identified the engines as for the U.S.A. market, I believe that it was stamped USA on the right valve cover at the rear. Now, here is the reasoning. For the home German market, if it had a V8 it was the 3.5L V8. They didn't want the home market Germans to know that there was a larger V8. Well into the 1974 model year, it said 350 SL on the deck lid to conceal that it actually had a larger engine. The 450 SL emblem was placed in the glove box for the North American dealers to change out. For the home market, they had the 350 SL and the 280 SL(DOHC inline 6 with a 2 or 4 barrel Solex carb.), which also could have a 4-speed automatic, 4 or 5-speed manual. All U.S. 450SL's had a new 3-speed automatic. There were what we call "Gray Market" cars also imported. Because the Germany interiors didn't meet U.S. fire retardent standards, they were supposed to be changed out to leather or MB-Tex vinyl. Many weren't. They also had KPH speedos and most were changed to MPH speedos. Now, because these were used cars from Germany, they had rust issues, as they salted the roads in Germany. If the car had large chrome wheel opening moldings you would most probably perforating rust holes under them. We had a customer that had a "Gray Market" 280SEC. She blew up the engine and when they went to tow it in to us, they picked it up in the rear and the car began to split in half because the structure was rusted. They ended up bringing it in on a flatbed. It had the chrome wheel opening moldings and the factory lips were totally rusted through. OK, the seats, sure they feel uncomfortable, but that is because our American butts are used to cushy seats. But, after driving one of these Mercedes all day on a long trip, when you are done and get out of the car, you feel refreshed. This is because the seats have excellent support. In an American car of this vintage, your back will probably hurt. It took quite awhile for the American car companies to catch up. I have worked on a lot of Mercedes SL seats and they do wear out. The cushion between the seat cover and the springs is made of horse hair and eventually crumbles away. The seat springs also get weak and break. I can't begin to tell you how many Mercedes seats I've worked on. But, they are simple. You don't need any special tools. Just unbolt and remove them from the car, separate the lower seat from the upper backrest, after the seat has warmed up in the sun, the cover unhooks and slips off easily. You DO NOT want to do this in cold weather. You throw the springs and what's left of the cushion away and bolt the new springs to the lower adjusting frame. As a word of caution, all the metal of the seat hinges are covered with plastic/chrome covers. They break easily, especially the 'tits' that hold them on. We always kept full new replacements in stock and figured their replacement in the estimate. You didn't try to push it by hand ! Try it. They 49-state cars didn't have catalytic converters. The California and high elevation cars in 1975 & 6 had catalytic converters mounted below the exhaust manifolds and literally cooked everything under the hood. The point of the car, consider it a modern version of the original tri-five Ford Thunderbirds. Always meant to be a personal, really personal luxury car and not a sports car. Chrysler tried it with the TC and Cadillac tried it with the Allante. They were pretty much failures and didn't enjoy the normal life cycle of an American car. Americans preferred car with back seats. With the 1958 T-Bird(Squarebird) , they probably sold more of those than the tri-fives combined. Now, the shift quadrants. With their new 3-speed automatic, they wanted to mimic the GM car lines like Olds and Pontiac. The nomenclature goes back to the 2nd generation Jetaway HydraMatics. The "S" was for "Super". In modern times "S" is OK for 2nd. In the 4-speed HydraMatic-equipped GM cars, the "S" quadrant would not be 2nd but 3rd, which prevented the a/t from shifting into 4th gear direct. In the "S" position, it gave better controlability driving in hilly country, especially going down a grade. The "L" position was for even more engine braking, but was actually 2nd. It would never shift down into 1st until you were at a complete stop. Then when you started up again, in any forward gear position, it would shift from 1st to 2nd and you probably wouldn't notice it.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share all of that greatly appreciated lots of information there =)

[@sammolloy1]

I’ve driven a few. The numbers don’t tell the whole story. They are “carved from granite” solid and they exude an unmatched feel of brute force and indestructible quality. The lumpy hood and the huge steering wheel gives you an attitude. Floor it and it sounds like the siege of Warsaw. The very first one I drove was a 350SL, total gray market, badged a 450, with the street lights and hubcaps, and it seemed quicker than the 450 and 500. Never drove a 380 or 560. Side note: I drove one gray market 280SL, this body, with a DOHC straight six. Five speed. That one I did not understand at all. The silky smooth engine did not match that tanklike body.

[@What.its.like.]

This car or at least the one I drove didn’t ride any better than a Lincoln.. Lincoln and Cadillac both rode better had more space get about same gas mileage can haul way more stuff and people. And cost less than half the price. For almost $100k it better be the best and it’s not not even close

[@saurabhsharma4200]

There was record inflation in the 1970s, more than 10% per year for some years (like now). It's a west German car sold in the USA for US dollars. That is part of the price discrepancy.

[@What.its.like.]

Inflation sucks this is the worst inflation I’ve ever seen in my whole entire lifetime

[@maryrafuse3851]

It was a heavy safety car. It did not rust like Datsun Z cars. I get your point but in the day they were considered very sexy. One case of you having to live and drive in the Era.

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah that’s true I would take the Lincoln or the Cadillac over this car in a heartbeat fact you could have both of those well if the you didn’t get the Cadillac as a convertible you could buy both the Lincoln and Cadillac and still have money for dinner =)

[@glennso47]

Janis Joplin “oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz…” 🎶

[@What.its.like.]

=)

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Nobody else could afford the dealer/importer markup/ripoff... plus $1200 Gas Guzzler Tax...

[@tomgreen7792]

You showed a picture of a Dodge Challenger earlier in the video but said it was a Charger ? Good video Jay!

[@What.its.like.]

I meant challenger but said charger that’s why I typed challenger I didn’t want to re-record that part

[@asteverino8569]

I remember the hunkering down of the rear. I took care of a 1971 SL.

[@What.its.like.]

I’m glad it wasn’t just me it was weird to say the least

[@asteverino8569]

@@What.its.like. The car was fun and a Mercedes. I think that's the best I can say about it.

[@ashleygordon3467]

Sorry but you missed the point. Firstly they did come with an excellent Becker radio. They were excellent performers too, except as sold in the USA where they were lumbered with early anti smog equipment. On a long drive the seats are very comfortable. The interior on your example is MB Tex vinyl, the best, longest wearing vinyl known to mankind. Ride is excellent for a sporty roadster - very comfortable. Now the weight: when this was designed in the late 1960’s, it was expected that roll over tests would be introduced for convertibles. In response, most USA manufacturers phased out convertibles and introduced T bar roofs and other arrangements. Porsche came up with the Targa and Triumph with the Stag. Mercedes alone designed this proper full convertible roadster that would pass a rollover test, by engineering the windscreen surround to be a rollover bar which can support the entire weight of the car. To work, the rollover bar had to be mounted to a strong body shell, hence the weight. American versions also had to suffer to horrendously ugly 5 MPH rash bumper bars which added even more weight. The R107 series was a spectacular success even at the huge price premium. It was in production from 1971 to 1989 with the same body style and only changes to drivetrains and interior switch gear. I have a 1981 380 SL in my collection and it is incredibly solid, performs well and gets reasonable gas mileage. Mine is an Australian delivered car so it has Euro bumpers, double row timing chain (USA early 380’s had single row chains which were troublesome) and thanks to our climate no rust. If you wanted a roomy 2 door Mercedes you could buy an SEC coupe. Cadillac introduced the Allante to compete with this car, it that is another story. If you want to compare a similar American car try the Allante- then you might appreciate the 107 more!

[@What.its.like.]

It rode OK wasn’t great for the price tag charged didn’t live up to it.. for me.. think of it another way one could buy the mark IV and Cadillac and have money for a Datsun z and probably have enough money to build a garage to put all three of those cars in.. it was way way too expensive of a car that really isn’t good at anything.. it’s a car for people that had way to much money to blow on something that stood for class.. this Mercedes is a far cry from the 50s Mercedes with the big plush padded seats I think that’s what I was expecting because that’s what I always thought Mercedes was.. this wasn’t that.. My mom has a Mercedes “upgraded” from the Cadillac Escalade small wheelbase.. she got the small SUV I can’t think of what it’s called off the top of my head. My brother has the Escalade and funny enough that Mercedes that she upgraded to is smaller like only room for four people $150 oil change. Get this she asks my brother if she can use the escalade at times so if you have to use the car that you previously had with the car that you upgraded to it’s not really an upgrade is it.. but for some weird reason she likes it.. I just was never into Mercedes they are very eh to me very overpriced and super expensive when they break.. money pits But with that said when I do another Mercedes-Benz review in the future I’m not going to look up before I review the car of how much it cost so I can give it a fair and honest report..

[@ashleygordon3467]

@@What.its.like. If you are look8n* for a plush Mercedes find and test a type W111 1969 to 1970 280 SE 3.5 coupe or cabriolet. Very luxurious, incredible build quality and big seats! Remember the Cadillac competitor to the 450 SL you tested was the Allante - compare it against that.

[@davidjohnson4550]

You are missing the point. When you brought this type of vehicle what you are buying is an exclusive auto. It was built for snobs.

[@What.its.like.]

But there’s nothing to really be snobby about I can see if it was a rolls or a Bentley...

[@davidjohnson4550]

you're looking at with today's eye. Look at the people that buy BMW; Mercedes or any vehicles that cost more than a 4-bedroom house. The practicality of most of those vehicles is unimportant. When people asked me what kinda vehicle I would buy if money wasn't an issue, I tell them that I would buy a Mercedes, as I would have the money to fix them!

[@glennso47]

@@What.its.like. Did you say “snobby “ or “slobby “? My idea of snobby is the most economical car I could have. I currently have a 2011 Hyundai Sonata that is paid for! For me that is snobby!👨‍💻

[@billolsen4360]

In 2000, a friend was offered an 1979 Mercedes 450SL with 28,000 miles at a discount. So, she took it on a 700 mi. test drive. The body flex & suspension made the trip very uncomfortable compared to her 99 Lexus ES300 and it drank 70% more gasoline. I don't get it either. Back in the day, Mercedes, Volvo & Saab offered superior crash protection than most US and Japanese products, but now most modern vehicles have that now. Mercedes mostly offers snob appeal.

[@What.its.like.]

I just don’t get this car I still don’t get it I can’t wrap my mind around how did they sell so many of them it SUCKS Tyler Hoovie a huge fan of this car and I have to disagree with him I would’ve rather had anything the American market had to offer over this.. to be completely honest I never got into Mercedes Benz BMW or Land Rover take it and step further I never got into Ferrari Lamborghini Porsche.. I was telling somebody that at the classic automotive the other day that Porsche Ferrari Lamborghini do nothing for me but if you put me next to Stutz Pierce arrow or packard those cars speak to me..

[@maryrafuse3851]

Your not from this time. American cars were hated by most 1970's kids. Euro cars were in. You cannot understand the mindset of the protest car. Kids loved to tell their parents that their American huge boats were dreadful and ugly. MB was the car every kid loved. You can't understand this and that's fine, you will never understand because your not supposed to.

[@glennso47]

I thought the VW Microbus or VW Beetle was what every kid loved since they were signs of rebellion.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

I'm 74, American, into cars, never wanted an M-B, Audi, deadly Porche, etc. back in the day.. bought new '77 Pontiac Grand Prix... V8... automatic... 16 MPG city... 23 MPG hiway... no $1200 Gas Guzzler Tax like M-Bs had...

[@glennso47]

Must have a lot of torque in the engine for the rear end to hunker down when you put it in gear!

[@What.its.like.]

Only has 220 ft lbs 76 Cadillac has 400 ft lbs

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Most independent rear suspension cars do that... hard to design out... for '87-only Buick added a torque arm to the GNX (part of $11K option) and they lift in rear planting rear tires for added traction when take off fast...

[@Radiowild]

This is the car you saw affluent folks driving in prime time TV shows in the late 70's and early 80's. I didn't watch them either. I suppose it's an OK car, but it does absolutely mothing for me. My 67 Buick Sport Wagon weighs less than this (3940 lbs.). Maybe if I could get a sheet of plywood in it, I would feel differently.

[@What.its.like.]

It’s a very very eh car for as much praise as it gets it doesn’t live up to that for me this car goes in the super overrated category

[@BuzzLOLOL]

TV shows/movies usually PAID for the vehicles they include... that especially helps weird looking vehicles cause people to get used to them...

[@glennso47]

A Tesla owner reportedly found dead mice and some rat poison in the trunk.

[@What.its.like.]

I like Tesla’s one day on the channel

[@rjherb5895]

180 horsepower??? 12 miles per gallon??? Cheap vinyl interior??? Floaty handling??? What a joke! I had no idea the 450 SL was such a turd!

[@What.its.like.]

I’m glad you totally agree I was really worried about this episode because people in the car community put it up on such a high pedestal and it sucks I was thinking before it went up if I was giving this car I would sell it immediately, I wouldn’t keep it, most cars have redeeming qualities but this one doesn’t have any redeeming qualities that I can think of.. it’s not just turd it’s the whole pile

[@glennso47]

@@What.its.like. It is a Mercedes Benz and that’s about all that I can say about it. Any chance of you doing a video on the Mercedes Benz trucks?

[@What.its.like.]

I’ll look for one you know me I like weird Mercedes trucks are weird Canada is only four hours away from here but my passport expired but maybe one day next year I can go to Canada and just review a bunch of cars that aren’t available here

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@@What.its.like. - Thank the religious terrorism of 9/11... before that we could simply drive into and out of Canada or Mexico by simply saying 'Hello' to the border guards in an American accent...

[@maddywendall2980]

Okay finished the Vid on this and having been a teen in the 70s I remember European Luxury cars were priced DOUBLE for what they went for from there homelands...something to do with government import Taxes...dont know..you might be able to find out. Anyway..back in the day...Yes it being Very high price compared to American Luxury cars..the Cache of owning this or most other European cars back then was wanting to be Different by having something considered Exotic and...the fit and finish on the American cars in the mid to late 70s even on the Cadillacs( worse fit) and Lincoln were insulting to the people who paid even the large amounts they paid for those.

[@What.its.like.]

I looked up to see what bmw went for more reasonable $6,520 but to be fair bmw wasn’t the company they are now and land rover the same i was never into those cars I do want to check out all the cars.. I just didn’t get this one I’ve asked around about the cedes on forms and no one could give me an answer why this car was great it just was and that’s the answer I got

[@markw208]

Correct, for a few years the dollar/Deutschmark exchange rate was really lopsided. It made German cars considerably more expensive. A VW Rabbit 🐇 was ~$4000 (I think) when a comparable American car was ~$3000

[@What.its.like.]

A vw rabbit was $4k that’s nuts

[@darkoneforce2]

The point was exclusivity, structural rigity and crumpling zones.

[@What.its.like.]

It was severely overpriced.. wasn’t anything as advertised..

[@darkoneforce2]

@@What.its.like. I know, but european/german cars didn't get into creature comforts (and power) untils the mid to late '80s (with some exceptions). At that point their reliability started to go down.

[@What.its.like.]

Pre late 60s Mercedes made a good product seats super comfortable I’m talking the finest materials used real wood super posh and comfortable this car isn’t that

[@darkoneforce2]

@@What.its.like. You mean the ones you got in the States ?

[@What.its.like.]

I’ve seen some really nice examples of late 50s early 60s Mercedes I’m not a Mercedes-Benz expert by any stretch of the imagination I never got into the Mercedes-Benz BMW Land Rover products to be frank I just never got why people would sell out that kind of coin for a car that isn’t good not from this time. Anyway I’d rather have the Lincoln and the Cadillac and still have money left over but that’s just me

[@elizabethcherry920]

The one thing that you missed and why it was the car to have in the 70s was the build quality, simply put the car was built like a brick shit house, that is basically why they sold. Figure this how many Mark4 or Eldorados are there is left. That hunker down thing is called squatting and I never hear of that car having a back seat.

[@glennso47]

Would that be similar to cars that have a suspension system where the car becomes a low rider. I recall that some Hispanics had cars like that.

[@glennso47]

Over $90,000 and it doesn’t have a radio? Rip off!

[@What.its.like.]

Total rip off

[@michaeltaylor1603]

How you gonna listen to Dire Straits?

[@What.its.like.]

I don’t know the punch line

[@glennso47]

@@What.its.like. It would place you in “dire straits “

[@BuzzLOLOL]

I never ordered my new cars with a radio... for what a factory mono AM radio cost I could install a high power full AM/FM/tape/CD 4 speakers stereo system!

[@elizabethcherry920]

The 560SL was the fastest, but the 280SL was the cheapest and the lightest thusly the 280SL was a better handler and it's horsepower is mainly closest to the 450SL , there was a 2+2 coupe variant called the 450SLC

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome information thank you so much for sharing that =)

[@luccaradjenovic6036]

We got it for 9000ish dollars in '76

[@What.its.like.]

Maybe it wasn’t a 450 they had lesser models Still to this day, I still don’t get that car. You could get an imperial a Cadillac a Lincoln, and and a place to put all three of those cars for the price of this.

[@luccaradjenovic6036]

@@What.its.like. No, it was 9000 something. I was looking at the original papers not too long ago. It said the markup price was around 12000 but he got it for 9000.

[@glennso47]

Benz does make some trucks that might weigh like the car in this video.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

LOL !

[@glennso47]

Maybe its high price is for the rear view mirrors? The rest of the car is for free. 👨‍💻

[@BuzzLOLOL]

50% dealer/importer markup/ripoff...

[@tompease3022]

You don’t like it. Check. It’s not for you. Fine. It’s an immensely silly car: in town the handling isn’t great, the seats (which have horse hair, not straw, like good furniture used to) are hard and being German it doesn’t have power everything because they spent the money on safety and engineering. I’ve driven one on the 5 for hours at high speed and felt perfectly fresh after. Everything that seems ponderous in town feels perfect at high speed. It became the car of choice for first wives in Beverly Hills who never took the hardtop off and wouldn’t be caught dead valet parking a Mark V. It may not be right for you but somehow I don’t think Richard Gere would have looked 1/2 as cool if he was driving a Cordoba in “American Gigolo”.

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah I just don’t get it it was way too expensive and it doesn’t live up to hype

[@christhomas835]

Your subjectivity suffers this time you really don't get it

[@What.its.like.]

Yep I was up front about it I don’t get this car still don’t car community puts this car on a huge pedestal and frankly it sucks as a car super overrated

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Well I'm 74, American, into cars, never wanted an M-B, Audi, deadly Porche, etc. back in the day.. bought new '77 Pontiac Grand Prix... V8... automatic... 16 MPG city... 23 MPG hiway... no $1200 Gas Guzzler Tax like M-Bs had...

[@What.its.like.]

I’m 33 and never got into Mercedes bmw or land rover just seem like over priced money pits to me I never had money to just throw into a pit like those idk just think differently

[@lkmsl]

It's all about status !

[@What.its.like.]

Eh.. this is the worst car I’ve reviewed this year.. and it’s probably not that bad as a car BUT what one paid for this pile vs what one got for the money is appalling.. SL stands for sport light it’s not sporty and it’s not light. My Honda odessey which has seating for seven weighs 400lbs more than this car.. it didn’t ride/drive bad.. but the seats where the most uncomfortable seats I even sat on.. we have two more at the galleria. One the steering wheel has disintegrated at the top almost like someone took a bit of it.. this car just wasn’t worth the extremely high price tag

[@GeorgBobellaJr]

You compare the 450 Benz to American land barges as all u do is present negatives. Of course your own opinion. Many features u have no idea what they are. The Benz was a grand touring car which is a iconic classic. Maybe u just are too big for the car. Sorta like a 6' 4" man or woman trying to fit into any year Mx5.

[@What.its.like.]

This car was/is put up on a high pedestal and didn't live up to it When I see these cars the only thought that comes to mind now is man the cocaine must have been incredible it's the only thing that makes sense insanely overpriced car one could buy all three American cars or two of the American cars Lincoln caddy and a garage to put them in SL stands for super light, the car weighs close to 4,000 lbs which isn't light for a 2 door coupe... kinda like a fat girl wearing a Fitbit claiming to be a athlete.. The cocaine must have been great that's the only way this car makes sense just my opinion tho I'm 6' 2 I fit in it just wasn't impressed with the car at the price point it was

[@leightonfarms4962]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@4WHEELBIKER]

Keep buying that Detroit crap...it fits you ! 🤣

[@What.its.like.]

Eh this car just doesn’t live up to what it advertised.. and yet people who bought them back in the day were looked at as cool for buying something that wasn’t worth the money it cost... this car cost more than a Cadillac v16 adjusted for inflation and compared to that car it’s a Yugo..

[@richardwarren7492]

What you are "missing" It's a Mercedes. Our dealership sold them like hotcakes and women (mostly very good looking) loved them. Guys driving them had women look at them. (Getting the picture yet, hmmmm?) They were a great boulevard cruiser, a trip to the beach, the golf links. they said something about YOU (or at least if you drove one YOU thought so) Hint? It's a Mercedes! It's expensive! YOU must have money! They also hold up well over the years. I had one. That said? The car I bought new and still have? A 73 911T Targa. Yep 49 years young all original. But never forget, It's a Mercedes, girls and women like them.. Got the picture yet???????????????????? lol. Say, Jay don't know if you go here but great for specs, lots of specs. www.automobile-catalog.com Keep up the good work! While a 380, well worth a watch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqXGn4efpJWWjqM

[@What.its.like.]

I get specs from that source it’s a source I use often =) the Mercedes to me was really over priced the car doesn’t reflect what it cost

[@richardwarren7492]

@@What.its.like. Hey, Got that - -it's not for everybody.