1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC
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Highlights
- A relatively rare model
- Lived many years in Cyprus
- Interior retrimmed in black leather
The Appeal
Monumentally expensive in its day, the SLC offered a good deal of the open aired-ness of the sister SL convertible – it has both sunroof and fully descending side windows/pillars – as well as two extra seats in the rear. It was practical, discreet, exclusive and striking-look – all qualities it retains today. In flagship 4.5-litre V8 form it offers itself as a swift tourer at a cost usually several thousand pounds less than the soft top, while its relatively rarity gives it a ‘what is it’ cache over its sister model.
The History and Paperwork
- Spent many years in a dry, Mediterranean climate
- Seller confirms that the vehicle will be fully serviced and MOT'd prior to delivery
The SLC was exported to Cyprus where it spent some years in that far more classic car friendly climate. Unfortunately on it’s return, the car’s service history didn’t accompany it, though one testimony to its upkeep while on the island is the black bespoke leather interior which was fitted.
The Exterior
- Paintwork retains a good gloss
- All panels straight
- Good chrome
The shape of this long low SLC still remains taut, with most all of those horizontal parallel lines on either side lining up neatly with the corresponding trim/shape on the next panel. Shut lines are narrow on all doors and lids, and the long doors open without groaning or sagging. The deep blue paintwork retains a good shine all over, though there are some scratches to the sunroof, and a small bubble behind the offside rear wheel.
The chrome is good – there’s plenty of it – it retains a deep luster and makes a nice contrast to the deep blue. There is a little fading on a couple of corners and one or two joins are a bit dirty. Even so, it makes a striking impression. The bumpers are sound – their rubber inserts are a little scuffed – and the badges and the big grill three-pointed star are a nice feature. Headlight and indicator lenses are clean and bright.
The Interior
- Retrimmed to a high standard in black leather
- Roomy and comfortable
- Nicely figured walnut burr
Like many of Mercedes upper echelon, this SLC’s interior was originally trimmed in velour, but was reupholstered in leather while in Cyprus. The work has been carried out to a very high standard and the expertly fitted hides retain a deep gloss and show only the gentlest of creasing. The very tidy stitching crisply defines the panels and shapes of the cushions, and the seats remain firm. The door panels are similarly good and retain the original handles and catches, which remain in good condition.
Carpets are clean, and the mats have neat bound edges. Both the steering wheel and the gear selector remain in good condition, showing no ring scratches or fading to the finish. Switches and sliders are in general also good. The original Blaupunk Paris hifi is intact but missing its knobs.The distinctively grained wood veneer appears all the warmer for the dark interior. Its lacquer is a little faded in places, but it nonetheless remains a nice feature.
The cabins headlining remains tidy, showing only a handful of small marks. It does not sag. Remember also that the SLC is a ‘pillarless’ coupe with all side windows and their surrounds totally (and smoothly) disappearing into the doors and bodywork. It’s worth noting that the louvred rear quarter lights are clean inside – they are sealed units.
The Mechanics
- Tidy engine bay
- Solid underneath
The underside of the Mercedes appears very sound, painted as it is in black and showing a good degree of undersealing. Inner wings and sills appear solid (as do the undersides of doors), while suspension components look clean and free-moving. The exhaust and tyres look healthy.
The engine bay can be described as workmanlike, with the big V8 and its ancillaries looking a little weathered, but everything appearing as if it has been attended to. There are no apparent leaks, and hoses and H/T leads look supple and of a good colour. There are no cracks or perishing here or to the distributor cap and the wiring looks very tidy.
The engine bay itself appears robust and rust free – those inner wing bolts look very tidy – while at the other end of the car, the boot space looks equally sound. Both lids open without creaking and remain raised on their struts.
Summary
An SLC is quite a rare beast these days; often underestimated and living in the shadow of sister SL. That gives a potential buyer the chance to get more or less all the same skill set in a more enigmatic beast for perhaps two thirds the cost.
This car is ready to go as it is, or, if they wish, the new owner could spend a little time and tlc to make it even smarter. Either way, it looks like a lot of fun – and maybe a lot of car for the money.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1979
- Make Mercedes
- Model 450 SLC
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 98,602 Miles
- Engine size 4520
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Leeds
- Location Yorkshire
- Country United Kingdom
42 bids
- jm•••• £11,000 06/06/23
- mi•••• £10,750 06/06/23
- jm•••• £10,500 06/06/23
- mi•••• £10,250 06/06/23
- jm•••• £10,000 06/06/23
- jm•••• £9,900 06/06/23
- mi•••• £9,800 06/06/23
- jm•••• £9,700 06/06/23
- mi•••• £9,600 06/06/23
- Ba•••• £9,500 06/06/23
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