Mercedes 450Sl Specifications
by Phil Whitmer
The 450 SL was part of the Mercedes-Benz line of SL roadsters built since 1954. The SL designation stands for "sport light." Some 66,298 coupe and convertible 450 SL models were manufactured from 1971 until 1980.
Engine
The Mercedes-Benz 450 SL had a 4.5-liter, V-8 engine with Bosch fuel injection. The motor had push rod and rocker actuated overhead valves with an overhead camshaft. With a bore and stroke of 3.62 inches by 3.35 inches, the compression ratio was 8.8-to-1.
Performance
The 450SL had a torque rating of 278.5 foot-pounds at 3,000 rpm with 225 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. The cars went from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds with a manual gearbox; the automatics took 9.3 seconds. The top-end speed was 133.5 mph with a manual transmission, 127 mph with an automatic.
Chassis
The 450SL had a unit frame and body. It had a manual four-speed with a single-disc, dry-plate clutch or a three-speed automatic transmission. On the front were vented disc brakes with solid-disc rear brakes. The independent front and rear suspension featured double-wishbones with a diagonal-pivot swing axle.
Dimensions
The 450SL was 172.8 inches long, 70.5 inches wide, and 51.2 inches tall with a 96.7-inch wheelbase. The front track was 57.2 inches, and the rear track 56.7 inches. The car's curb weight was 3,483 pounds.
