1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SL Convertible

Initially available as the 350SL, the larger engined 450 SL joined the model line-up in March 1973 with more power from the overhead camshaft M117 4.5-litre V8. The 450 SL was only ever available with a new three-speed automatic transmission with torque converter but - with 225bhp and 278lb/ft of torque - acceleration was still brisk enough to satisfy the most enthusiastic drivers. Doing away with the old swing axles, the W107 employed trailing arm suspension with coil springs, an anti-roll bar and anti-squat geometry, while power-assisted steering and disc brakes all round (vented up front) were also standard issue.

One of the most enduring status symbols of the era - the SL looked right at home cruising the more affluent streets of the world, from Beverly Hills to Toorak - the Mercedes-Benz 450 SL stands up well today thanks to vault-like build construction, with superb paintwork, shut-lines and incredible reliability from the V8 engine, helped in no small measure by Mercedes' use of the new Bosch electronic fuel injection in place of the old mechanical system.