Vehicle Description
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC
There's a reason Classic Auto Mall sees so many of the SL and SLC
series that ran from 1971 to 1989. In fact, there are several
reasons. They're uniquely classic having gone through a complete
restyle in 1990. They're affordable, especially if they have been
well maintained. Finally, they're remarkably well balanced. Power
meets style meets luxury, all wrapped in a sure footed body and
comfortable cabin that is suitable for regular use, not just Sunday
drives.
For consignment, a 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC with a title verified
123,435 actual miles. In 21 miles, the new owner will have a pretty
cool odometer photo to take! Meanwhile, this car will come with a
slew of service receipts showing attentive upkeep, including belts,
tappets, and the ever important timing chains.
Exterior
Red definitely is an attention getter and this car is finished in
Signal Red, resprayed approximately 30 years ago per our consignor
and it's a fine color for this model, especially when coupled with
16-inch wheels. We're told the paint has been ceramic coated
following a color sanding and buffing and the car wears a front
valance from a 560SL model and the desirable European headlights.
Lights present also include fog lamps and marker lights on the
bumper and the distinct Mercedes grooved marker lights that flank
the headlights. These ribs found on Mercedes, (and copied by other
cars), are intended to capture snow and dirt on the raised part,
leaving the inside grove clear of debris, thus visible. Polished
cowl vents meld with other brightwork on the car including the door
handles, window trim, mirrors and rocker panel trim and the inside
louvers on the quarter windows are stunning and are countered in
angle by a subtle spoiler on the decklid. The paint is very nice
and we did not find any glaring imperfections.
Interior
Quality materials are immediately evident with a swing of the door
that exposed tan leather door panels with a sleek door opener and a
matching plastic map pocket. In front, low back bucket seats are
robust and in excellent condition and the back bench, with its
deeper ribs, embedded armrest, and matching sidewalls are stunning.
The black steering wheel has a soft, textured rim for extra grip
and fronts a classically simple and efficient gauge cluster, also
in black, framed in the light brown tone that permeates the
interior. Black reappears on the center console where a Pioneer
AM/FM/CD radio with AUX and USB is found over the elementary vent
controls, one for each side of the car. Black dominates the center
console where a stout shifter front a series of hardy toggle
switches all at the beck and call of the driver, over plush tan
carpeting in good condition while a perforated headliner also
presents nicely. The trunk is lined with gray cloth padding and we
find it in fine condition with some minor staining that indicates
its use.
Drivetrain
Cleaner than most 50 year old cars, the engine bay contains the
Benz's venerable 4.5 liter single overhead cam V8 rated at 180
horsepower and fueled by a Bosch D-Jetronic EFI system and backed
by a 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear
wheels with 3.07 gears. Power disc brakes are found both in front
and in the back.
Undercarriage
Driver quality but overall clean with the typical surface rust and
some residual oil on the pan and rear differential. Dual exhaust
travels in tandem through a cat, then a stock style muffler before
putting out short twin tailpipes. Independent suspension on front
and back carry coil springs, and our consignor states that some
suspension components are newer.
Drive-Ability
This beautiful 4.5 fired right up and on the test track it is a
thriller. Great acceleration, good handling and looking smooth all
this German sport luxury. Braking is solid and all functions worked
as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
We've seen our share of SL's at Classic Auto Mall and this one is
just a little bit different from the average American spec models.
It has a noticeable presence, is well sorted and an instant
attention getter, so be prepared to answer some questions,
especially from fellow Benz enthusiasts. This one will stop you in
your tracks and fellow stoplight patrons will have their eyes on
red long after the light turns green.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
