1979 450SL, pulled out of shop, went about 100ft, chugged, then died. Acts like it wants to start, but never will. Supply fuel pressure good, good spark from the coil and to all plugs. Timing checks good. I get a strong fuel odor and plugs are always wet. I'm running out of ideas and could use some friendly suggestions! Thanks!

 

Maybe clogged exhaust,, loosen the head pipes and try starting it.

 

Did you check the timing chain? They have a tendancy to break, as do the guides, which will let the chain jump a notch or two. If this happens it can damage the engine to run it, as these are zero clearance engines and will bend valves and other expensive things. My 450 did a smilar thing, the guide end broke and luckily I shut it down right away and pulled the valve cover and saw the misalignment. It only cost a new set of guides and about 8 hours of work to get things back to running like a top. I miss that old (74) sl, I sold it when I got my SL600, and I keep thinking about getting a 560sl to fix up.