1974 Mercedes Benz 450SLC |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1974 Mercedes Benz 450SLC

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Mileage~124,000
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine4.5L V8
LocationPeterborough

AUCTION CLOSED

1974 Mercedes Benz 450SLC

Introduction

Andrew Taylor

Professional Consigner

With its longer wheelbase and, consequently, full four seater status, the 450SLC is the continent-crosser of choice from the esteemed C107 range.

A total of 62,888 SLCs were manufactured, hardly an inconsequential number, yet they are very rarely seen for some while having lived in the shadow of its more ubiquitous SL siblings. Things have changed significantly in the past decade or so with the rarity, understated style and true four seater capability of the SLC becoming apparent. Today, in the UK, there are less than 150 in use.

The 450SLC didn't appear in Europe until February 1973 making this example quite an early model. With its move to Europe and the deletion of its stifling US specification emissions equipment, the power of the relaxed V8 jumped from 192BHP to 222BHP. Plentiful torque makes the V8 great cruisers, the in-line six not quite as effortless, and the spacious and comfortable interior makes for a beguiling combination.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Andrew after meeting Mohammed the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I waited a long time to find this car and I have loved owning it. It gets very positive reactions wherever it goes.

The current owner, Mohammed, has owned the car for around six years and has been impressed by the space and refinement offered by the early SLC. It has also proved very reliable thanks to its high-quality engineering and comprehensive maintenance record.

It is only increasing work commitments and, hence, its lack of use that has prompted Mohammed to look for a new home for this glorious 1970's sports coupe. He'll be more than happy to answer any questions you have on the car in the comments section below.

Mohammed

Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The classic blue paintwork, long, lean profile and beautifully presented matt finished alloys makes this car almost a guaranteed head-turner.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15" flat faced Mercedes-Benz alloy wheels aren't original fitment but look very impressive on the car. they are in fine condition too, being free from kerb rash and any scrapes or dings.

The original fitment would have been body painted hub caps over steel wheels. The owner does have the original caps and will supply them with the car so the new owner can choose their preference.

The Hankook 205/60 Kontral tyres all appear virtually new with a healthy depth of tread all round.

Bodywork

The 450SLC appears devoid of bumps or dents on the main key sections of the body. There are a couple of small bends in the sill seams but are only apparent from underside of the car.

The panel gaps and shut-lines look good and true across the whole car. If you look closely, there are some very small signs of corrosion under the paint at the bottom of some panels. View the photo gallery to see the detail.

Paint

Finished in Mercedes-Benz blue (387H), the finish on the paint is very good. Even in colour across all the panels, there's a deep lustre to the finish.

The car had a major overhaul completed in 1984, which included a respray of the car. The paint still looks good to this day with some age related small marks on leading edges etc that you'd expect given the age. View the photo gallery to see the detail.

Glass and Trim

The glass presents well with no obvious areas of delamination, fogging or discolouration. The signature shaded rear coupe windows of the SLC are in great condition too.

The rubber trim and screen surrounds appear undamaged and the pillarless front windows seal well. The chrome shows some signs of age in places, but generally very good.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

With perforated beige leather seats and wooden rimmed alloy steering wheel, this cabin exudes style and sophistication.

Seats and Carpets

The seats appear to be original and are in good condition. The driver's seat appears to have a replacement backrest which is in good condition but appears to be a slightly darker shade than the original seats. This could probably be easily addressed by a classic car upholstery specialist if required.

The carpets are a complimentary oatmeal colour and present very well without any areas of significant wear or damage.

Dashboard

The central speedometer is emblematic of all Mercedes-Benz of this era and is very clear an easy to read. The reminder of the dash and instrument binnacle appear to be in good original condition throughout. During our brief trip in the car everything appeared to work as expected.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The gear lever for the three speed automatic gearbox sits within the famously eccentrically shaped gate. The contact point is in excellent condition.

This car is fitted with a very classy wooden rimmed alloy three spoke steering wheel. The owner does have the original steering wheel, however, if the next owner wished to re-fit it.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The 4.5L V8 engine makes for smooth yet decisive progress, the perfect engine for a grand tourer like this.

Engine and Gearbox

The W117 engine in the 450SLC is renowned for its durability and smooth, relaxed power delivery. The three speed automatic gearbox works well with it to blur the changes too, making for very relaxed progress. However, if more urgency is required this big power unit can deliver with well over ~200BHP on tap.

During our brief run out, all engine and gearbox operations appeared to work as expected. Along with the external renovations in 1984, the car also had an engine overhaul as documented.

Suspension and Brakes

The big brakes pull the car up straight and true. The suspension is comfort tuned and very compliant as a result. No unusual bangs or crashes were noted during our drive and the body control appeared appropriate to a big, continent-crossing coupe.

The Drive

Wafting around in this distinctive coupe is a compelling experience. The car exudes comfort and refinement yet the purposeful burble of the big V8 is audible too. It's a great combination and it is very easy to imagine long, yet comfortable trans-continental road trips in this car.

Electrics and Other

All electrical systems appeared to work as expected during our trip in the car. The current owner also attests to the effective operation of all electrical functions of the car.

The car is fitted with a modern, yet retro styled, Caliber RCD110B music system which provides 4 x 75W power.

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History and Paperwork

There is a great selection of paperwork to accompany this car from invoices and MOTs right through to restoration pictures and even a Haynes manual!

In the coupe form, paired with the 4.5L V8, these Mercedes-Benz C107 are very rare on the UK roads. This particular example has covered most of its miles in the first half of its life. With the MOT certificate showing ~117,000 miles in 1996, the cars travelled ~7,000 in ~25 years since. The service history shows the major work completed on the car in the 80s when an extensive restoration and engine rebuild was completed.

We've actioned our usual checks on; seller ID, V5C, HPi.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.