Highlights

Known ownership history from new, first registered to the Princess of Jahore
In single long-term ownership for 35 years (1982–2017)
The vendor describes the car as being in original condition throughout, and very rare in this state
Factory electric windows, mirrors, sunroof and (working) air conditioning
Extensive historyAdvisory-free voluntary MOT

The Appeal

While the convertible R107 sold in huge numbers over a staggering eighteen-year production run, its C107 Coupé sibling slipped quietly under the radar. With a 36cm longer wheelbase, these stylish cars are not to be overlooked. Good survivors are rare, but here we have one such 450 SLC from 1978.

Our car has notable provenance, having first been registered to the Princess of Jahore. It passed into long-term single ownership in 1982, where it remained for 35 years until 2017. The most recent keeper, a well-known antiques dealer based in St James's, whose stable also included a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster and a Bentley R Type Continental, covered approximately 4,000 miles in five years of ownership. The car shows 58,130 miles on the odometer, and it comes with a history file documenting its ownership and maintenance from new; we've detailed the maintenance record below. Since 2022, servicing has been entrusted to Graeme Hunt. It comes with an advisory-free MOT to June 2027, though if the new owner does not wish to continue testing it.

Such storied cars seldom come to market, and this 450 SLC would make a superb addition to any collection.

Key Information

Mileage: 58,130 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: MOT to 1st June 2027 with no advisories (MOT/road tax exempt)
Technical specs: 4.5-litre V8 petrol, automatic transmission
Paperwork: extensive history file, John Haynes invoice for £13,000 (2018)

NOTE: Cherished number plate "RAF 1" has been retained and "DUJ 250T" has been assigned to the vehicle.

Service history:

Maintained with Graeme Hunt since 2022

06/20 – T J Baker

Carried out inspection and MOT test
Changed engine oil (Mobil Super 2000 10W-40) and fitted new Bosch oil filter

09/19 – 53,769 miles – John Haynes Mercedes-Benz Specialists

Investigated fluid leak; cleaned, repacked front wheel bearings, and resealed hub grease caps
Acid-cleaned brake dust off front wheels
Carried out service checkover and refitted centre exhaust rubber

05/18 – 51,471 miles – John Haynes Mercedes-Benz Specialists

Replaced front brake callipers, discs, pads, brake hoses, and DOT 4 fluid; cleaned and repainted NSF brake pipe
Replaced front subframe mountings, front anti-roll bar bushes, and steering idler bushes; reset steering geometry and realigned steering wheel
Overhauled warm-up regulator, fitted new fuel injectors, seals, auxiliary air slide, rotor arm, plug caps/ferrules, and HT leads (cylinders 5, 6, and coil); adjusted fuel pressures to resolve cold hesitation and idle misfire
Replaced timing chain, timing chain tensioner, and rocker cover gaskets; set valve timing
Drained coolant and re-cored radiator; replaced drive belts, thermostat, sender, and antifreeze
Drained fuel tank, replaced fuel accumulator, fuel strainer, fuel lines, link/feed hoses, and correct fuel cap
Fitted correct 62Ah battery, power steering hoses, engine/gearbox mountings, exhaust front pipes, balance pipe, centre box, and gear linkage bushes
Rebonded OSF door glass channel guides; replaced NSF seat vacuum locking cells; replaced front speakers, clock resistors, and heater control bulbs

03/18 – 51,468 miles – John Haynes Mercedes-Benz Specialists

Carried out 10,000-mile service with engine oil, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs, flushing solvent, and screenwash
Adjusted sunroof motor clutch and lubricated runners
Fitted non-return one-way valve to washer jets and adjusted drive belts
Corrected anti-rattle clip to fix near-side rear brake squeak

11/17 – T&M Motors Mercedes-Benz Specialist

Ran engine diagnostic check and fitted two plug caps for slight misfire
Stripped passenger door, re-glued window runner channel, and refitted drop glass
Overhauled fuel tank to address internal rust; replaced fuel filter and fuel pump
Removed all fuel injectors, blew out fuel lines/distributor, tested spray pattern, and replaced one injector

08/17 – Robert Heather

Investigated engine misfire: replaced spark plugs and plug caps
Replaced rear brake calipers, rear brake pads, and brake fluid
Re-gassed A/C system

11/87 – 45,576 miles – John Griffiths Mercedes-Benz Specialist

Replaced fuel pump

04/87 – 44,954 miles – John Griffiths Mercedes-Benz Specialist

Carried out service with oil filter, spark plugs, air filter, and screenwash
Replaced transmission oil and fluid
Adjusted heater flaps

07/84 – 43,391 miles – John Griffiths Mercedes-Benz Specialist

Carried out 45,000-mile service with oil filter, front brake pads, fuel filter, spark plugs, and screenwash
Removed and stripped aerial mast; supplied and fitted replacement Hirschmann aerial mast

09/83 – John Griffiths Mercedes-Benz Specialist

Carried out 40,000-mile service with oil filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, and screenwash
Replaced rear brake pads and wheel dust covers; repaired driver's seat
Diagnosed poor running: replaced noisy fuel pump, fitted new pressure regulator, and stripped/cleaned fuel distributor block
Supplied and fitted front spoiler

12/82 – John Griffiths Mercedes-Benz Specialist

Stripped and replenished front hubs; renewed front brake discs and hub seals
Renewed rear brake discs, lock bolts, and wiper blades

The Detail

£13,000 spent in 2018 per John Haynes invoice
Serviced by Graeme Hunt Ltd since 2022
Air conditioning recently re-gassed, reported by the vendor to be in full working order and ice cold
Factory-fitted electric windows, electric mirrors, and electric sunroof, all reported working
Recently passed MOT with no advisories
OEM 'Mexican hat' alloy wheels and Mercedes-Benz-branded mud flaps
The vendor identifies various age-comensurate cosmetic imperfections, but nothing especially noteworthy, as can be studied in the photographs
Well-presented example, ready to meet its next owner

BEFORE YOU BUY

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