1979 Mercedes 450 SLC

Description

• Fresh out of a private collection
• Heater matrix replaced
• Thousands spent less than 1k miles ago

Sometimes a car can be overlooked due to another, more-desirable model that is essentially similar, such as this 1979 Mercedes 450 SLC.

During the 1970s and ‘80s, the halo car for Mercedes was the two-seat SL convertible, so its 2+2 coupe sibling, the SLC, got second billing, despite being more expensive and rarer. The SLC did not offer the top-down motoring experience, but it did have more interior room and a better ride due to its longer wheelbase.

When new, the Mercedes 450 SLC received rave reviews and was considered by many motoring journalists to be the better car of the two. Mercedes would replace the SLC in 1983 with the larger and even more-luxurious SEC, but it was based not on the R107 roadster platform of the SL but on the S-Class sedan underpinnings. While these cars would sell better, they lacked the Old World elegance and charm of the SLC.

Coming from a private collection and with only five previous owners the SLC we have here has been very well maintained with over five thousand pounds spent, ensuring it is in wonderful condition.  It will come with two keys, the owner’s manual, the MOT exemption certificate and a load of receipts. *Please note that some images show the previous registration of  3 SAC but the car will be sold with the registration GDP 170V.*

Exterior

The SLC was a coupe version of the SL roadster. It was essentially the same except for the wheelbase, which was extended by 360 mm to accommodate the two rear seats, and the fixed steel roof with the slightly higher roofline that gave those in the rear seat quite reasonable headroom.

They were the essential differences. In all other respects the SLC was the same as the SL roadster.

As you would expect from the era of Mercedes, the build quality of the Mercedes 450 SLC was exceptional and the luscious deep blue metallic Sapphire Blue paintwork has held up extremely well for a car that is now forty-three years old. Our vendor has advised that it is “an extremely solid car with a very small amount of attention needed to turn it into an immaculate example” that said, it is just lovely as it is.

On very close inspection there is a small area of bubbling in the paintwork on the left-hand front wing, a little on the boot lid and a very small area below the rear windscreen.  All can be seen in the images.  As previously stated, a small amount to attention will turn what is a very lovely example into an exceptional one.

Our vendor has shared that the one of the many receipts in the document pack shows that the central locking vacuum pipes have all been serviced or replaced, a well-known pain in the butt if they are not working correctly.

Interior

After the satisfying flump of the central locking allows you entry into the flagship model of the time, you notice straight away the matching blue leather seats that are in great condition – and with all of the seats being recently recoloured, you would expect nothing less.

Our vendor has shared that all the switches operate their relevant ancillaries correctly and the only notable issues are a small tear in the passenger door card, this is hidden behind the dashboard when the door is closed, and a slight crack in the walnut centre consul.  Other than those easy to rectify bits it is a lovely place to be.

The previous owner has even had installed front and rear cameras to help keep those bumpers straight and true.

Engine

Power is delivered by a smooth and powerful fuel-injected 4.5-litre single overhead camshaft V8, which boasts peak power of 147 kW and top torque of 345 Nm.

The three-speed auto box on this Mercedes 450 SLC is mated to the wonderful V8 delivering a very comfortable drive that could be argued is not the sportiest. We beg to differ, as when floored these V8s pull like a train even though the sporty ’Benz was originally set-up for the German Autobahns where it could comfortably extend its very long legs.

Our vendor shared that this well maintained 122k mile example has previously benefitted from new cam cover gaskets so the pesky oil leaks, various relays, mounts, gear linkages and the very problematic heater box being removed and repaired, all less than a thousand miles ago.

Those in the know will appreciate the amount of work involved in removing, refurbishing and refitting the heater box on these SL’s, it is a must do repair as this is the culprit that rusts the bulkhead on these models, a seriously expensive fix if needing repair or replacement.

All in all, we have a very lovely smooth drive that is just a joy to get from a to b, arguably one of the most usable classic cars for everyday use.

Wheels Tyres Suspension and other

The original 14-inch Mexican hat alloys have also been recently refurbished and are in fantastic condition, they were then wrapped in brand new 205/50/14 rubber that can only be described “as new”

Flicking through the receipts also shows that the subframe has been replaced along with new prop couplings front and rear along with various bushes.

Along with the ultra-smooth engine, the ride is just as smooth with no knocks or squeaks, arguably it drives as well as it did when it left the factory, like we previously mentioned it has been extremely well maintained so is ready to just enjoy.

Our view

The SLC came across as a dynamic grand tourer, a quirky and intriguing alternative to its S-Class-based predecessors and successors. With true rarity, surely the 107-series SLC is the thinking man’s SL? This coupe has ample room for four and retains an open-air feeling with all the windows and sunroof open, without the inconvenience of removing a heavy hardtop.

With a couple of little niggles rectified you will have a stunning car that can either be used every day or just bought out to gleam on that sunny Sunday blast.  Very well maintained and ready to just get in and drive, you won’t be disappointed when you turn the key and that wonderful 4.5 litre V8 sparks to life.  A perfectly engineered and rare example of this wonderful top of the range Grand Tourer.

Want to know more about owning a classic Mercedes SL? Check out our Buying Guide

 

Vehicle Location: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Have a question about this Mercedes 450 SLC? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

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