Only Mercedes-Benz could make the 1970s look so good. While most North American car manufacturers would rather forget the malaise era, Mercedes-Benz steadily grew by offering memorable, well built cars. The company established itself as the leading luxury brand in the world and arguably still holds that title today. You won’t find these cars at autocross events but if you’re paying attention you just might see one out on an early Saturday morning, inconspicuous, elegant, and floating along. If you’re looking for a 1970s Benz cruiser similar to the one in today’s film, we have three suggestions from Hemmings Motor News available now.
Good:
The car: 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SL
Price: $18,000
Location: Topsfield, Massachusetts, USA
Seller’s Info: Click here
Before the special editions with asinine horsepower, SLs were open road cars. They had just enough technology to supplement the driving experience and but not anesthetize the experience. The quality can be felt from the latching of the doors to the turning of the wheel. You’ll rarely find 1970s SLs that have been “modified” because they were designed right the first time. This ’77 has only 26,000 miles and the original radio. The color combination is understated but grows on you like the car itself.
Better:
The car: 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9
Price: $38,500
Location: Santa Barbara, California, USA
Seller’s Info: Click here
There’s your Grandfathers SEL then there’s the 6.9 liter SEL. The SEL was Mercedes-Benz’s ’70s flagship with a limited number of 6.9s produced. The company spared no expense to give the heavy sled enough power to reach speeds in excess of 140 miles an hour. The 6.9 of the late seventies sold for over $50,000 at a time when a loaded Cadillac was around $16,000. This superb example has 62,000 miles, hydro-pneumatic suspension and a well documented history. This 6.9 would round out a fine Mercedes collection if you have the room.
Best:
The car: 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Coupe
Price: $84,900
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida, USA
Seller’s Info: Click here
The 280SE convertible and coupe from the sixties and early seventies are some of the most elegant classics to come out of Germany. The value of the SE coupe has dramatically appreciated over the last decade so if you like them, don’t wait to find yours. This gorgeous gold SE was immaculately restored two years ago in Palm Beach. Despite the soft suspension, you can connect with this car through its three pedals and shift knob. The car is equipped with a 3.5 liter 200 horsepower V8. Go get ’em!
If you know of a great, stylish car for sale and would like us to feature it, please let us know!
Petrolicious makes no claim as to the accuracy of the information contained in the car’s original listing, nor will it be held responsible for any errors in said information. If you’re interested in any of these cars, do your homework and research extensively before you buy.
