Description
Having had just 3 owners from new, this 450 SLC has covered a remarkably low 53, 308 miles during its lifetime. Finished in an attractive dark grey metallic colour, it is complemented by cream carpets and a particularly desirable cream leather interior, a rare and elegant specification that enhances the car's grand touring character. The current owner has been in possession of the vehicle since 2014.
The car has been off the road and unused for over a year, offering an appealing opportunity for an enthusiast to recommission and return a highly original example to active use. It will benefit from careful attention and a full recommissioning process, yet it presents a rewarding prospect for a buyer seeking a classic Mercedes-Benz with low ownership, modest mileage, and strong long term potential.
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 450 SLC
Chassis Series: C107
Body Style: 2 door pillarless coupé
Production Years: 1972 to 1980
Model Year: 1980
Country of Manufacture: Germany
Engine Type: M117 V8
Configuration: 90° V8, naturally aspirated
Displacement: 4, 520 cc (4. 5 litres)
Fuel System: Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection
Valvetrain: SOHC per bank, 16 valves
Cooling System: Water cooled
Power Output: Approximately 217 hp (European specification)
Torque: Approximately 377 Nm
Transmission:
Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission
3 speed automatic
Rear wheel drive
Chassis and Suspension:
Unitary steel construction
Independent front suspension with coil springs
Independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms
Front anti roll bar
Power assisted steering
Steering damper fitted
Braking System:
Four wheel power assisted disc brakes
Dual circuit hydraulic braking system
Front brake wear sensors
Wheels and Tyres:
2-Axle-Rigid body
14 inch wheels
Radial tyres
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2, 820 mm
Length: 4, 750 mm
Width: 1, 790 mm
Height: 1, 330 mm
Kerb Weight: Approximately 1, 600 kg
Interior Features:
Seating for 4 occupants
Cream Leather upholstery
Electric windows
Central locking
Air conditioning
Heated rear screen
Wood veneer trim
Adjustable front seats
Exterior Features:
Long wheelbase coupé body based on the R107 SL platform
Chrome exterior trim
Front and rear impact bumpers
Twin exhaust system
Pillarless side windows
General Condition:
The vehicle presents as a maintained and recommissioned example of the Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC. Significant mechanical refurbishment was undertaken in the past. The car remains substantially true to its original factory specification while benefiting from comprehensive maintenance and restoration work.
Fuel System:
The fuel distributor was rebuilt and the fuel pump and fuel filter replaced. The air hose to the idle valve was renewed, contributing to stable idle quality and improved engine operation.
Transmission and Driveline:
The gearbox was removed and overhauled with replacement gearbox seals, torque converter seals and transmission filter. Fresh transmission oil was installed during reassembly. The rear crankshaft oil seal and associated gasket were replaced. Gearbox mounts and gear linkage bushes were renewed. The differential was removed and refurbished with replacement seals, O rings and rear gasket.
Suspension and Steering:
The suspension has benefited from replacement of all 4 subframe bushes, both front anti roll bar drop links and the steering damper. Front wheel bearings were cleaned, greased and adjusted. These works have improved ride quality, steering stability and overall vehicle handling.
Braking System:
The front braking system has been comprehensively renewed with replacement brake discs, pads and wear sensors. The discs were professionally modified and machined as required. The handbrake shoes were replaced and the handbrake cable adjusted to ensure correct operation.
Cooling and Heating Systems:
The radiator was removed, professionally repaired and refitted with fresh coolant. The heater system fault was diagnosed and traced to a defective valve, which was subsequently replaced. The heater cover and gasket were also renewed.
Exhaust System:
Both exhaust manifolds were replaced, together with both exhaust downpipes and the balance pipe. New gaskets, joiners and mounting rubbers were installed throughout.
Electrical System:
The under bonnet bulkhead wiring loom was rerouted and correctly secured. The boot central locking system fault was rectified and is now functioning correctly.
Body and Ancillary Components:
The header tank overflow hose, screen wash tubing and wiper blades were replaced as part of the refurbishment programme. All tyres were renewed. History:
First introduced in 1972, the Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC (C107) offers an appealing combination of classic styling, V8 performance and genuine practicality. Sharing its basic architecture with the highly regarded R107 SL Roadster, the SLC was developed as a true 4 seat grand tourer, featuring a wheelbase extended by 14 inches to provide increased cabin space. Clever design elements, including the distinctive louvred rear quarter panels, help disguise the additional length and contribute to the model's elegant, well balanced appearance.
Built to cover long distances in comfort, the 450 SLC features independent coil sprung suspension, power steering and 4 wheel disc brakes, delivering the refined driving characteristics for which Mercedes-Benz became renowned. With its pillarless coupé profile and understated styling, the SLC has aged exceptionally well and remains one of the most usable and sophisticated classics of its era.
Power comes from the respected 4. 5 litre M117 V8, producing 222bhp and paired with a smooth 3 speed automatic transmission. The result is effortless performance, strong cruising ability and a top speed of around 135mph. Offering a blend of comfort, engineering quality and timeless design, the 450 SLC represents an increasingly appreciated alternative to the SL Roadster, while retaining the same charismatic V8 power and Mercedes-Benz build quality that have made these cars so enduringly desirable.
Overall Assessment:
This 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC has benefited from a substantial programme of mechanical refurbishment and recommissioning work, with significant attention given to the fuel system, transmission, driveline, braking system, suspension, cooling system and exhaust. Much of the major age related maintenance has been completed, providing a solid foundation for continued restoration.
The vehicle is currently not in a roadworthy or drivable condition and requires further mechanical, electrical and bodywork repairs before returning to service. The engine is not presently running correctly on all 8 cylinders and requires further diagnosis and tuning. Several electrical faults remain, including defective exterior lighting and a cooling fan that continues to run when it should switch off.
Some of the bodywork requires cosmetic attention in several areas, including replacement of the rear offside wheel arch and inner arch, some corrosion repairs to the lower rear nearside wing, corrosion along both sill seams, and remedial work to the plenum chamber area.
Overall, the vehicle represents a largely complete and mechanically recommissioned restoration project that has undergone considerable investment, with the remaining work concentrated on engine tuning, electrical systems and body repairs to return the car to a fully operational standard.
