Skip advert
Advertisement

1980 Mercedes 450 SL

The third-generation SL first went on sale in 1971, and it stayed in showrooms for 18 years – so if you're in the market for a cheap classic SL, this is the one to go for

The third-generation SL first went on sale in 1971, and it stayed in showrooms for 18 years – so if you're in the market for a cheap classic SL, this is the one to go for.

Over the years, Mercedes tried out a number of engines in this model, ranging from a 2.8-litre six-cylinder to a 5.6-litre V8.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This 450 SL was powered by a 4.5-litre V8 – and the performance jump over earlier SLs is massive.

Be warned, though – only fans of the eighties are likely to be won over by the hideous wood veneer dashboard.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mercedes SL Class

Mercedes SL Class

RRP £110,030Used from £67,750
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £5,987 off RRP*Used from £8,995
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,188 off RRP*Used from £12,990
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £11,990Avg. savings £2,296 off RRP*Used from £10,000
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Vauxhall Astra won't be a hatch, with big estate-ment of intent planned
Vauxhall Astra Exclusive Image Avarvarii

New Vauxhall Astra won't be a hatch, with big estate-ment of intent planned

Vauxhall is guaranteed to offer wagon body and electric power, but conventional hatch is not certain
News
29 Jun 2026
New Car Awards 2026: the winners
New Car Awards 2026 header

New Car Awards 2026: the winners

All the winners and highly commended cars at the 2026 Auto Express New Car Awards.
Awards
1 Jul 2026
New BMW X5 revealed: luxury SUV gets electric iX5 option for the first time
BMW iX5 - front

New BMW X5 revealed: luxury SUV gets electric iX5 option for the first time

The ultimate do-it-all BMW is now available with an array of powertrain options, including an iX5 with up to 525 miles of BEV range
News
30 Jun 2026