Vehicle Description
To be sold at the Bonhams auction on February 2nd for the Paris
Retromobile Week Auctions 2023 Delivered new to Argentinian soccer
legend Diego Maradona!A homologation special from Mercedes-Benz
with fascinating provenanceEl Pelusa (The Fuzz) - Maradona always
stood out for his short, stocky build and his large afro,
particularly during the early years of his career. The Pelusa
nickname, literally translated to 'The Fuzz', refers to his big
hair and was first used in his hometown of Villa Fiorito. In 1980,
Pelusa was in full swing playing for his first professional club,
the Argentine Juniors of Buenos Aires. Due to his importance in the
first team, a group of influential people who were the supporters
of the club gifted this car to Maradona in the 'Red' club colors
for whom he played between 1976- 1981. One of just 816 examples
produced for the model year with lightweight aluminum body panels
and all-aluminum engineOnly 38,175 (61,437 km) original miles!
Benefits from a beautiful cosmetic restoration only as required
under its previous collector's ownership, with the car retaining
the original vintage Black leather upholstery and which has covered
just 61,437 original kilometers (38,175 original miles!). As a
color detail, the CTV of the province of Cordoba is displayed on
the windscreen, in addition to the original domain with the legend
Federal Capital engraved on the crystals. Accompanied by copies of
the original title and photos verifying Maradona's ownership
including a photo of both the legendary Diego and Mario
Kempes!Orginal factory options include:568H: Signal Red
Paint531:Auto Antennae588: Auto Climate Control amp; Power
Windows592: Heated Rear Window605: Headlamp Wiper Unit amp; License
Plate Mounting410: Electric Sliding Roof440: Cruise Control466:
Central Locking SystemWest 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 38K
original miles (some 61 kms!), 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: electric
sunroof, 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 38K original miles, let
alone with such a rare and extraordinary heritage, available
anywhere else!
