By far one of the most desirable cars of its time (actually, every generations of SL to date has managed to rank high on most petrolhead’s wish list) the third-generation Mercedes-Benz SL captured the imagination of the automotive industry with its immense presence, timeless design and ultimate luxuriousness. CAR tested the 450 SL for the 1979 January issue.
One of the SL’s major trump cards was that it could be both a roadster and hard-top sports coupe in one. Befitting of its range-topping status, the 450 was fitted with the most premium options found in passenger cars of the time. Air-con, cruise control, leather seats and radio/tape deck audio unit were all standard issue. This SL wasn’t just pretty face though and came fitted with a 4,5-litre V8 that producing 160 kW and 360 N.m. The 450 SL sprinted from 0-100 km/h in 11,3 seconds and boasted a top speed of 205 km/h.
