Beschreibung
The Mercedes with the chassis code R107 was introduced in 1971 as the replacement for the aging W113 series, or colloquially the “Pagoda.” It marked a radical new start with a completely new chassis, largely taken over from the / 8 series, and with new engines; the 350 SL began in 1971. Its new appearance was ultra-modern and forward-looking for Mercedes design. On release it was a car from another planet—the large H4 wide‑band lamps, the big ribbed tail lights and the new 3. 5 L V8 likely had concerned customers reaching for their chequebooks. In October 1971, at the Paris Motor Show, the 350 SLC (C107) was introduced. It superseded the Mercedes 280 SE 3. 5 from the W111 range, which was based on the S‑Class. Mercedes had decided not to build a new coupe on the basis of the upcoming new S‑Class (W116), but to build a coupe based on the R107 roadster. It featured an extended wheelbase and a fixed coupe roof, four full seats, and was defined by its elongated, slender line. To solve a problem with the large and***** retractable windows, the rear windows were reduced in size and fixed louvres were installed behind them, giving the car its own distinctive design and a striking unique selling point. In spring 1973 the 450 SLC was introduced; this is a car with the enlarged 4. 5 L V8 engine. This engine was offered exclusively with an automatic gearbox and now delivered torque in full, allowing a longer rear axle ratio to be fitted. It is a very harmonious propulsion setup, initially at 225 PS, later, with the switch to Bosch K‑Jetronic mixture preparation, 218 PS. This reduced emissions and cut fuel consumption by around 15%. The SLC was produced in significantly smaller numbers than the R107 (roadster with a hardtop); production ended in 1981, and that of the roadster in 1989. The C107 received a successor in October 1981. It was the C126, a coupe again based on the current S‑Class, more spacious and defined as somewhat more sporty. ** With this 450 SLC**, this is a vehicle from the first mid‑cycle refresh with revised engines that have mechanical fuel injection and develop 218 PS without catalytic technology. The car offered here was delivered on 20 December 1978 (just in time for Christmas!!) by the Mercedes dealer S. A. Garage de la Frontière in Monaco to its first owner Mr. Schaller in fine Monaco. It was ordered in a striking yet classic colour combination: Classic White with red leather and a very extensive specification. The car later changed hands to Italy around the turn of the millennium and was rarely driven thereafter. In autumn 2019 we discovered the 450 SLC in Italy and, on behalf of a very good client of our house, had it transported to us to restore it to a near‑new condition. The car was completely preserved in original form, accident‑free and above all 100% rust‑free. The entire interior is preserved in its original condition; the leather has no cracks or damage and carries exactly the right patina. The carpet, wood and chrome are also fully original and testify to careful handling by its owner. Since the paint had several defects, we decided to redo the paint from the ground up. For this, the entire mechanicals, trim, and glass were removed, the paint thoroughly stripped to bare metal, and rebuilt with Glasurit Classic Line products. In the meantime, the entire mechanicals were dismantled and rebuilt, all components such as the engine, transmission, front axle, rear axle with differential, brakes, steering, suspension, dampers, ride height control, exhaust system, prop shaft, and more were dismantled, refurbished and reassembled with new original parts. All wear parts were renewed! The work was carried out by the renowned Mercedes specialists Mario Ludke of Classic Benz Service, with the new paintwork performed to a high standard by Effertz & Mainzer GmbH in Bergheim. In total, over 100, 000 was invested in the restoration. The project concluded with a new set of Michelin XWX tyres, a full TÜV certificate with H‑badge, and wax coating protection. This Mercedes C107 is arguably the best SLC on the market. All its mechanicals including the climate control and cruise control were overhauled; around 2, 000 hours went into the restoration. It impresses with its preserved patina and drives as if it were a new car from that era. Every last detail was considered, it...
