There’s a good reason why the R107/C107 class of Mercedes-Benz models have long been among the most popular vehicles the company has ever sold. While we can grow accustomed to seeing them listed as basketcase projects on Marketplace and used as hoopties on multiple city blocks, we forget that the reason they still show up there is because somehow, they keep running. While there’s no such thing as a cheap Mercedes, there’s no denying that the durability of the R107/C107 line is irrefutable. The car shown here on eBay is a 1975 450SLC that was recently donated to charity.
Bidding currently sits at just $760 with no reserve. While the convertible version is undoubtedly more popular, the coupe bodystyle offers several key advantages. For one, it’s simply rarer and you don’t see it all that often, whereas buying a convertible model almost guarantees you’ll see yourself coming or going multiple times per week. The longer stance of the coupe accommodates a true back seat, allowing you to take friends and children along for the ride. And with the coupe, you lose the need to store the hardtop, thus making your life instantly easier. I would also argue it’s a better looking car as well, but that’s likely because I’m biased against convertibles.
Now, this car is undoubtedly a project, with the seller noting missing engine parts and non-operable condition. However, look at that interior and tell me someone didn’t love this car at one point. First of all, red leather interiors in Mercedes models of this vintage are incredibly sought after, namely because they’re so unusual. We typically see blacks, blues, and ivory-colored leather in the C107/R107 cars, so this is a delightful change of pace. The dashboard and door panels look to be in good order, and we truly weren’t expecting to see such a nice interior in a car that was otherwise neglected enough to get donated.
The engine bay shows some signs of work starting on its rejuvenation but not getting very far. Those newer plug wires are encouraging, but that’s about it. The engine was rated at 190 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque when new, representing a sharp drop in performance compared to the European-market models. While there were some homologation cars offered in the SLC body in extremely limited numbers, those pop up rarely and carry a premium when they do. It doesn’t take much to make these SLCs look better than they appear in stock condition, and we hope the next owner finds the time to revive it.
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