Vehicle Description
Delivered new to Argentinian soccer legend Diego Maradona A
homologation special from Mercedes-Benz with fascinating provenance
Gifted to Maradona by his first professional club, Boca Juniors One
of just 816 examples produced for the model year with lightweight
aluminum body panels and all-aluminum engine Benefits from a
cosmetic restoration under current ownership Accompanied by copies
of the original title and photos verifying Maradonas ownership West
Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional
example of this original Argentina sold and registered in the name
of the legendary Diego Maradona 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2 door
hardtop coupe with only some 66K original miles, the last year and
most expensive model of the legendary 450 series, at an original
MSRP of $43,676 in the U.S. (over $162K when adjusted for inflation
according to the CPI for 2022!) compared to $36,897 for the same
year 450SL roadster, in absolutely beautiful condition throughout!
Mercedes Benz released two iconic models in the early seventies,
the 450SL two seater roadster and the 450SLC two door coupe and
these cars were the ultimate status symbol of their day, symbolic
for their era of exclusivity and immediately identifiable by their
uniquely original styling. They were to create a cult following
which has continued to this day. They were sold as the R107 SL
roadster and the C107 SLC coupe with the coupe model wheelbase
lengthened by 14" to make room for the rear seat passengers in a
fixed pillarless superstructure above the 2+2 cabin, whilst still
incorporating its sports car dynamics. The 450SLC was built in very
limited numbers and was one of the most exclusive coupes ever made,
offering the sensations of a true sports car but with the
refinements of a four seater grand touring coupe! The particular
example is to be sold with all its original documentation available
showing its original ownership of Diego Maradona (along with
pictures of him with his car) and has since been held in private
collections in Argentina since 1980 until being imported for sale
in the U. S this year. It is quite obvious that this particular
example was always garaged with no accidents or rust and never
smoked in! All options are working as they should including the air
conditioning. The original and very striking and rare factory
'Signal Red' color paint is in extraordinary condition and the
striking 'Black' leather interior is also in gorgeous shape with
virtually no signs of wear! The car has its original chrome
Mercedes 'Bundt' wheels which are also in exceptional condition.The
car's factory options include: Becker radio, automatic
transmission, power assisted steering, power brakes, tinted glass,
cruise control, electric window lifts, electrically heated rear
window on hard top, fully independent suspension, power assisted
four wheel disc brakes, limited slip differential, automatic
antenna, Halogen head and fog lamps, working automatic air
conditioning with climate control and central locking. The car
drives exactly like such a well maintained and serviced Mercedes
should and must be seen and driven to be truly appreciated. The
engine is extremely strong with no noticeable oil leaks, the
transmission shifts smoothly through the gears and the temperature
always remains cool. All the options are working as they should.The
car was recently inspected by our independent Mercedes specialists
and has been given a clean bill of health for its next owner.
Without doubt, this is one of the finest classically beautiful
designs built by Mercedes-Benz, probably the last classically
beautiful series they built which are now at long last becoming
more desirable and collectible than ever before - certainly you
will look long and hard to find a finer head-turning example of
this last year model with only 66K original miles, let alone with
such a rare and extraordinary heritage, available anywhere else!
