BaT Auction is Live! : Italian Spec 1971 Mercedes 350SL 4-speed Manual

Auction is live on BaT! : https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-mercedes-benz-350sl-45/

This rare Manual transmission equipped Euro 350SL was originally sold new in Italy and spent time in Europe until being imported to the U.S. via Connecticut in 1982. It has lived a pampered life with only two owners in the U.S. and has retained over $30k in maintenance & restoration receipts over the last thirty five years. Automotion Classics acquired this gem in spring 2020 from the owner since 1982 who took excellent care of the car and had not used it much in the last few years. We fully sorted this car and thoroughly enjoyed it for the summer and fall seasons.

After reviewing the Data Card we found the Country Code for Italy which also explains the unique front “two-tone” marker lenses which are for Italian Market only. This car also spent time in the Netherlands as evidenced by the 1981 Registration sticker on the windshield.

120,500 KM original and documented (75,000 miles)
All panels removed and whole car stripped & repainted in 1986 : Original Code 180 Silver Grey

Over $32,000 in receipts from previous owner starting in 1984. Most recently a genuine Mercedes clutch replacement was done including new hydraulics.

Approximately $7,000 in work done by Automotion Classics in 2020 including:
All new brakes (calipers, pads, rotors, brake hoses all OEM
Rebuilt driveshaft: OEM front & rear flex joints plus new center bearing.
New exhaust from the CAT back: pipes, muffler & tailpipe & new hangers
All new Shifter bushings & linkage adjusted (shifts like new now)
New original style fuel pump.
Heater valve
Sway bar bushing kit with end links OEM
Front shocks OEM
Ignition trigger points cleaned & adjusted.
Ignition system all new: Distributor cap, rotor, plugs wires etc.
New Valve cover gaskets, cam oiler kits & valve adjustment (Required every 15,000 miles). Timing chains looked great
Coolant system flush: New radiator hoses, thermostat and coolant
All new OEM drive belts
Powdercoated factory light alloy wheels with new Hankook tires
New OEM salt n pepper carpet set
New German Cloth convertible top