1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC

As Mercedes-Benz's flagship model, the 450 SLC cost an eye-opening $16,498, (roughly $95,176 in today's money), in its first full model year, a notable $1,893, ($10,921), more than the long-wheelbase 450 SEL sedan, and $3,725, ($21,489), more than the 450 SL. The SLC would prove itself exceedingly well-rounded, being surprisingly capable in competition with AMG-modified examples raced in the European Touring Car Championship, and factory-prepped SLCs tackling international rallies, including the 1979 and 1980 World Rally Championships. The final examples sold here in 1981 were badged 380 SL C, denoting a new, emissions-compliant 3.8-liter V-8. Out of a total 62,888 SLCs built, 35,528 were powered by the 4.5- and 3.8-liter V-8s; an unspecified number of those were U.S.-spec models. The C107 would be replaced by the breathtaking new W126-chassis 380 SEC, returning the S-class hardtop coupe to a sedan base, and setting this car forever apart.

For consignment, a classic sports car from the 70's and sporting the moniker Mercedes-Benz. This 450 SLC was well taken care of and it shows with a fairly rust free body, a clean interior, and a plethora of conveniences. The mid '70's brought plenty of over engineered cars that were built like panzer tanks, and this one can be driven around, and doing so a bit sportingly all of which translates to glückliches Autofahren!!!

Exterior
Bathed in Red Metallic, the straight steel panels, are showing well minded gaps all around but do have areas of rust, particularly around the trunk and in the drip channel above the driver's door. Chrome is good and all badging is looking good and original, and in all the right places. Nice brite work in the form of the iconic tri-pointed star centered grille, window surrounds, and a black spear running along the side midline, as well as shiny trimmings which run between the metal of the hardtop, give the car a solid and expensive look. 14" Bundt wheels give this Autobahn cruiser a great look, ready to conquer the high speeds as the world whips by. Noted are the fog lights on the front, wrap around bumpers on both ends, a power sunroof to let Mother Nature shine in and also, a louvered silver insert is put in just aft of the back glass prior to the beginning of the B pillar. Wheel well chrome top trimmings also add to the mix. Einfach atemberaubend!

Interior
Opening and closing the solid doors on this car yields the sought-after thud sound upon the close. No other manufacturer can achieve this, and what makes it unique to Mercedes Benz, is the quality and thickness of the steel they use in these cars. Looking inside we are met with plenty of leather and MB Tex coverings on the lightly worn bucket seats, door panels and headliner, all presenting nicely and showing years of loving care in a warm saddle. The same saddle tan is covering the floors and rear compartment in nicely preserved carpet. Plastic covered tan carpeted floor mats are above the golden saddle carpets and are definitely keeping it in clean condition. Power windows, air conditioning, power steering and power brakes are noted. The dash, fronted by the original steering wheel, is excellent and very clean. The factory Becker Mexico AM/FM/Cassette radio sits in its factory designated position and works well. A series of eyeball vents for heat and A/C run along the dash top which is padded and showing no cracking or marring.

Drivetrain
An original and nicely patinaed 4.5 Liter V8 engine graces the engine bay, which shows like new. Supple hoses and wiring are shoehorned into this wonderful looking engine bay. Bosch Jetronic EFI is on. A 3-speed automatic is attached to the back of the V8 and shifts smoothly. 3.07 is the rear axle designation.

Undercarriage
As noted with the topside, well cared for, only surface rust on the usual suspects, with even the exhaust piping and mufflers now blackened. A structurally sound frame with clean floor pans, and surfaces underneath, and we have a very nice 450 SLC which includes independent coil springs and power disc braking all around.

Drive-Ability
This beautiful 4.5 fired right up and on the test track it is a thriller. GREAT acceleration, good handling and looking smooth all this German sport luxury. All functions are working just swimmingly save for the rear power windows not going down, the sunroof, while working, is a tad slow, and the passengers front seat belt must remain buckled or the buzzer will go off.

New Mercedes Benz sports cars are nice with their bells and whistles, but lately, a return to the classic look from this German Manufacturer is becoming more desirable. It is probably harkening back to an era when the cars were all steel, no plastic, and weighed a ton. Sporty, with luxury, great lines with class, this iconic Mercedes sports car fixed hardtop sedan 2 seater is yours for the taking here at Classic Auto Mall. Let's just say you could have a ton of fun with this German Classic! Can you say Panzer Tank, that you can roll through the burbs and turn heads?

10702412003495

107-SL Series
024-450SLC Coupe
12-Left Hand Drive Automatic
003495-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.