Vintage Cars: 1975 450sl exhaust question, vent tubes, gasoline smell

Question
I inherited a 75 450SL and I have been driving it to and from work about 10 miles each way.  It's in great condition, but this last week I have been getting a really bad exhaust smell through my vents. I don't have a mechanic yet, but would like to know what I might be looking at before I take it to a shop.

Answer
could be a lot of things, if it is exhaust smell , probably from a small hole in your exhaust, prior to the resonator or just after catalytic converter.  If it is gasoline smell then most likely your rubber vent tubes for the gas tank or leaking fuel hoses under hood ( very dangerous).  Both should be checked out ASAP, because it can pose a safety issue.

Nice car and good luck
Ron