Lovely example of Mercedes-Benz’s classic Seventies coupé
Believed genuine mileage
Substantial paperwork file
Rare velour interior
THE APPEAL
Introduced in late 1971, six months after the R107 SL Convertible on which it was based, the Mercedes-Benz SLC (or C107) was longer in both body and wheelbase than the sports model, making it a genuine four-seater GT. It was a clever design, using bright trim to extend the window line whilst retaining the glass from the two-seater cars to offset development costs.
It was always a fairly low-volume seller, but those who bought an SLC benefitted not only from a much more spacious cabin, but also a very distinctive style all of its own.
Today, the SLC is finally coming into its own on the collector market as SL values have gone stratospheric, making the very best examples extremely collectable in their own right – and they don’t come much more desirable than this one, a 4.5-litre V8 450 SLC which has covered less than 31,000 miles (backed up with prior paperwork from owner) from new and is presented in stunning, largely original condition.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Same family ownership for 34 years, wherein it was garaged for many years.
Stored by the family until 2015, before being removed from storage and recommissioned at a cost of £1,771.
Supplied new by Portman Mercedes-Benz in Manchester, who maintained the car until 1985
Moved to the Channel Islands in the late 1980s then repatriated to Kent
Four owners from new
MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Despite exemption, the car comes with an MOT valid until July 2023
Believed genuine mileage
Information and paperwork from family ownership supports mileage.
Mercedes-Benz document wallet
Owner’s manual
Original service book stamped early in the car’s life then again in 2019, 2020 and 2022
Old tax discs
Selection of old MOT certificates
Original dealer sticker
Mercedes-Benz club magazines
Blaupunkt Coburg stereo operating manual
THE INTERIOR
Ultra-rare and highly desirable ribbed velour seat trim
Excellent dash, carpets, door cards and headliner
Factory sunroof
Electric windows
Blaupunkt Coburg radio-cassette
Dark walnut veneers
Very minor rubbing to driver’s side seat bolster
Very well-presented luggage area
Tool roll and warning triangle
All dials and switches operate as intended
THE EXTERIOR
Icon Gold metallic
Very smart and well-presented car in largely original order
Has had paint at some point in its life and finish is excellent
Superb ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels with matching spare
All sills and floors appear to be in very good order
Undersealed and wax protected
One small rust blister on rear screen surround
Tiny microblisters under paint on one front wing
Original chrome and trim in very good order, small amount of rubbing to one bumper corner
Factory option front fog lamps
THE MECHANICS
4.5-litre V8
Four-speed automatic transmission
Vendor reports that the car drives well with no apparent faults or issues
Last fully serviced at 30,693 miles in April 2022, less than 100 miles covered since
THE SUMMARY
Finished in a colour scheme that is gloriously evocative of its era and presented in superb overall condition, this is a truly beguiling example of the unusual and increasingly desirable SLC. The exterior is superb and the interior an absolute delight with the unusual and sought-after velour trim.
A truly lovely car, with lots of early history and limitless charm – this is one for the avid Mercedes-Benz collector to invest in and enjoy.
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.
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