Beschreibung
Peter Vardy Heritage is privileged to present what is undoubtedly the rarest and most original, low mileage Mercedes Benz 350 SLC on sale today.
With a manual gearbox option unavailable to the UK market, this vehicle was Specially Ordered from new through the Mercedes Benz Export and Diplomatic Sales Division with a 'manual' gearbox. We are unaware of any other example in the UK with the manual gearbox option or indeed, of any other remaining in existence anywhere. Subsequently, the rarity, desirability and collectibility of this one example is guaranteed.
Finished in magnificent Signal Red it is complimented with contrasting Beige Velour interior. Having covered just over 55, 000 miles, it is offered in completely original condition, with electric sunroof and windows and the original and desirable "bundt" alloy wheels, retaining the look and feel of the period without compromise.
The Mercedes SLC was surely never intended as a sportscar. Voted as "European Car Of The Year 1974, it is elegant, so superbly balanced in line and form, so exquisitely contoured to look beautiful from any viewpoint that to subject it to the gross indignities of any kind of track would be sheer vandalism. Yet, the car begs to be driven in a sporting way, positively solicits the fast corner, the fine balancing of foot and hand, of centripetal and centrifugal accelerations. It is surely the best Mercedes-Benz ever to have been built for common sale
Unique in its conception, the SLC is the only Mercedes coupe ever to be adapted from a soft-top rather than a saloon. In essence, the SLC was basically a W107 Series convertible stretched by ten inches to give room for two rear seats and given a fixed steel roof. Launched in 1972 and remaining in production until 1980, it came in four engine sizes, the car you see here being fitted with the creamy smooth 3. 5 litre V8 engine delivering 200BHP and capable of propelling it from 0 to 60mph in just 8. 9 seconds and on to a Top Speed of 127MPH. Fantastically strong and stable at speed, the SLC was iconic and one of the original grand touring icons delivering grace with pace. These virtues saw it win many accolades as a great long distance rally car, winning the South America Rally in 1978 and coming second on the East Africa Safari.
This example comes with 23 Historical MOT certificates and a 14 Service Stamps to show a regular and high standard programme of maintenance:
13/ 01/ 1977 628MILES WESTERN MERCEDES-BENZ
23/ 04/ 1991 20244MILES MB JARVIE
29/ 05/ 1992 21011MILES MB JARVIE
14/ 05/ 1993 22454MILES MB JARVIE
29/ 07/ 1994 24335MILES MB JARVIE
31/ 08/ 1995 26387MILES MB JARVIE
19/ 04/ 1997 28297MILES SS MOTORS
02/ 06/ 1998 32190MILES JP GARAGE
24/ 06/ 1999 37418MILES JP GARAGE
30/ 04/ 2002 45505MILES SURREY MERCEDES-BENZ
16/ 08/ 2006 47321MILES IN HOUSE
18/ 08/ 2011 52387MILES THE SL SHOP
27/ 08/ 2013 52568MILES THE SL SHOP
27/ 05/ 2016 55284MILES THE SL SHOP
As would be expected with such a fine example, an abundance of additional and desirable information is provided, to include;
-Original Letter Of Order from Mercedes-Benz UK
-Original Bill Of Sale in Deutsch Marks for 41910M
-Port Documents from Delivery in 1977
-German Passport
-HMRC Importation Sheet
-Original Factory Data Cards
- A variety of letters and receipts from previous owners.
Superb C107 SLCs are extremely hard, if not impossible to find. The ravages of time, corrosion and being in the shadows of its roadster sibling finished off most. However, the SLC has enjoyed a profound resurgence in interest over the last few years as enthusiasts and collectors recognise the coupé’s qualities – tighter to drive than a R107 SL, thanks to the stiffening effect of the roof, with elegant pillar-less lines and a true four-seater.
An outstanding and truly magnificent example in every way, with originality, condition, rarity, low mileage and the rare "manual gearbox" option making this a superb addition to any collection, or investment opportunity, if the unprecedented increase in values over the last few years are anything to go by.
At Peter Vardy Heritage we have a passion for motor vehicles born out of an enduring history spanning more than 90 years, with the Vardy name being synonymous for excellence. We offer the finest selection of classic and modern day classic vehicles from immaculately presented sales & workshop facilities. Warranty, Finance & Part Exchange all available.
Call Andrew Chisholm for a personalised video presentation on any of our superb vehicles.
