Vehicle Description
Following up on the commercial success of the R113-series 230, 250
and 280SL, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the all-new and thoroughly modern
R107-series in 1971. The 107 continued along the path forged by the
R113 that set the foundation of the SL-class as we know it today.
The R113 was the car that took the engineering excellence of the
original 300SL and combined it with the broader market appeal of
the junior 190SL, in a package that was sporty, civilized and
exceptionally well-rounded. The SL was now a sports car for those
who preferred to arrive in style yet remain completely unruffled,
an ethos that remains in the DNA of today's SL roadsters.
Introduced in late 1971, the R107 further refined the theme set
forth by the R113, albeit on an all-new platform that was larger,
more rigid, and wrapped in finely detailed styling. It was also the
first new model to benefit fully from Mercedes' obsession with
safety that began in the late 1960s. From its introduction, it was
designed to carry both six-cylinder and a new line V8 engines.
Suspension was fully independent all around, backed by four wheel
disc brakes and a robust unibody chassis. Alongside the traditional
roadster with its optional removable hard top, Mercedes-Benz also
unveiled a full four seat version with a fixed roof and extended
wheelbase. This new model, dubbed "SLC" replaced the ageing
W111-based 280SE and marked the first time their flagship four-seat
coupe was based not on a sedan platform, but the sporting SL
platform. The SLC shared the same suspension, braking and
powertrain components as its open-topped sibling, but benefitted
from an exceptionally rigid platform with the fixed roof. Combined
with the longer wheelbase, and the larger 4.5 liter version of the
alloy V8, the SLC delivered robust performance and exceptional ride
quality. Typical for a Mercedes-Benz SL-class car, the SLC was
tuned for high-speed touring rather than outright corner-carving
ability. But in spite of its grand touring pretenses and
soft-sprung nature, the SLC was quite a capable sporting car - with
predictable handling, excellent grip and powerful brakes. In fact,
the SLC became a rather successful (albeit unlikely) rally
competitor through the 1970s and into the 1980s. The 107 platform
was such a success that it became the longest running passenger car
model in Mercedes history (only being outlasted by the G-Wagen
off-roader) and has become a favorite among collectors and
enthusiasts the world over, thanks to its exceptional longevity,
timeless style and tank-like build quality. This 1979 Mercedes-Benz
450SLC is a beautiful, unrestored example showing a genuine 31,354
miles from new. It is finished in its original shade of Gray-Blau
metallic (code 906G) over a blue interior and presents in stunning
condition inside and out. It is a well-optioned model with factory
fitted sunroof, power locks and windows, automatic climate control,
Tempomat cruise control and alloy wheels. The body is exceptionally
straight, with all original belt moldings, rocker moldings and
bumpers in excellent order. Chrome and anodized brightwork is
outstanding, with no dings, dents or corrosion to speak of. The
SLC's signature quarter-louvers are in excellent order as well and
all original glass is in place. Shut lines are to factory
standards, the doors close with vault-like precision, and this car
shows no evidence of any prior corrosion or accident damage. It
rides on a set of Mercedes' iconic Bundt alloy wheels in fabulous
condition, wrapped in appropriate Pirelli P3000 blackwall radials,
delivering the ideal balance of touring comfort and handling
prowess. Original lamps, lenses, and the factory-fitted fog lamps
all appear in excellent order. This is one of the finest of its
kind we have had the pleasure to offer, a truly beautiful example
that captures the understated elegance of this oft
under-appreciated model. Inside is more of the same; exceptionally
well-preserved original materials and finishes presented in
beautiful order. The blue upholstery shows hardly any signs of use,
appearing more like a two year old car rather than 38 years old.
The driver's seat is barely broken in, while the passenger and rear
seats appear factory fresh. Blue velour carpets are in excellent
order, again appearing virtually factory fresh and unsullied, with
original MB Star logo overmats. The center console is adorned with
beautiful burlwood trim, which repeats on a narrow strip across the
dash. Typically a trouble spot on these models, this example
appears in beautiful condition with no cracking, crazing or lifting
of the veneer. Original HVAC controls appear in excellent order and
even the original Becker Mexico Cassette remains in its rightful
place in the dash. Instruments, switches and controls are all
factory original and in lovely original condition. Even the trunk
appears in showroom fresh condition. Lifting the original carpeted
panel reveals an untouched spare wheel with original Michelin spare
tire, complete with the original tag pertaining to the alloy wheel
fitment. A tool roll containing beautiful, unused factory tools is
included, as well as the original jack and even the safety
triangle. Also included is a comprehensive array of original
factory literature, books, and manuals covering all aspects of the
car's operation, many of which appear untouched since new. The
engine bay is similarly exceptional, with original finishes,
markings and decals all in place as one would expect from a
pampered 32,000 mile example. The original gold cadmium plating
remains bright, correct hose clamps are fitted and the entire
engine bay is tidy and clean, without appearing to have been
restored or excessively detailed. While the 450 SLC's open-topped
sibling may be the more well-known, enthusiasts know that the SLC
is far rarer, and finely preserved examples such as this are
exceptionally scarce. Finished in timeless colors and presented in
beautiful condition from top to bottom, this 450 SLC surely is one
of the best-preserved examples of its type.
