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 £109,910Used from £61,950
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,502 off RRP*Used from £12,063
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £4,422 off RRP*Used from £7,495
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £10,201 off RRP*Used from £10,490
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Alpine might have finally delivered a premium French car that Brits will take seriously
Alpine A390 flag

Alpine might have finally delivered a premium French car that Brits will take seriously

Steve Walker thinks sports car brand Alpine could well solve the long-standing French premium car problem…  but by the back door
Opinion
1 Jan 2026
Tesla-style door handles banned in China over safety fears
New Tesla Model Y Standard - side action

Tesla-style door handles banned in China over safety fears

The Chinese government has stepped in amid concerns that retractable or flush-fitting handles are causing fatalities in crashes
News
2 Jan 2026
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2026, 2027 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2026, 2027 and beyond

Here are the most important new cars from Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more that you need to know about
Best cars & vans
2 Jan 2026