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 £64,990
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £21,290Avg. savings £4,771 off RRP*Used from £6,390
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,175Avg. savings £4,231 off RRP*Used from £7,000
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,557 off RRP*Used from £17,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BMW i3 gets a huge £10k price cut with arrival of 40 xDrive model
BMW i3 50 xDrive - front 3/4

New BMW i3 gets a huge £10k price cut with arrival of 40 xDrive model

More details emerge of new i3 line-up, with 40 xDrive model providing a more affordable alternative to 50 xDrive launch edition
News
30 Sep 2026
New BMW 3 Series revealed: petrol-power, i3 design and smaller than an Audi A5
BMW 3 Series - front

New BMW 3 Series revealed: petrol-power, i3 design and smaller than an Audi A5

New BMW 3 Series compact exec looks very similar to the i3 EV, but launches with two mild-hybrid assisted petrol engines
News
29 Sep 2026
New Hyundai Ioniq 3 price drops to £18,495 with EV grant
Alastair Crooks with the Hyundai Ioniq 3

New Hyundai Ioniq 3 price drops to £18,495 with EV grant

Hyundai’s new electric hatchback is eligible for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant (ECG)
News
2 Oct 2026