Mercedes R 107 1980 450 SL Featured in “American Gigolo"

Southern California in the early 1980s!  The film is about a male prostitute in this Richard Gere breakout role. One can see it as a reflection on California upper middle class lifestyles and. sex lives during this time. But beyond the fast and loose characters, it is a story involving murder and betrayal.

 In my mind there is a message that these cars owners lack substance. There is something missing in the person behind the wheel, a projector with hidden weaknesses and foibles covered up by Mercedes Metal and sitting in M-B Tex or leather seats.

 

Note the removal of the headrests and sun visors in photo. I removed my driver’s side sun visor not so that folks can see me better but because of a mistake I made in repairing mine. The glare of the sun is at times unbearable, however. I have no advice as to whether or not to remove the headrests -- its your neck after all! 

Note the black paint on the outside rear view mirror. Not he case as they are all stainless!  Maybe to reduce glare while filming?

For a short clip, see link below:

https://youtu.be/pFpai012KPw