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.
If this were closer I would definitely be interested. I disagree about coupe versus convertible. The drop top would be more desirable but this has AC so there’s that. I’m confused about the mess under the hood though. I see the black plug wires what are all the red wires or hoses?
Mismatched plug wires?
Yep, those are red hoses. A local guy ought one if these with a bad engine. He installed 383 SBC with a 5 speed transmission, deleted the park benches front and rear, and installed a small rear spoiler and a good sized front air dam. It looked great! And it went like stink! I saw him a couple of weeks ago driving a Corvette. I asked about the Mecedes and he said a guy from Australia stopped him and offered him a large pile of money for it. It was so much that he instantly accepted the offer. I wish I had taken a picture of it to show.
back when these cars were a few years old no aftermarket plug wires,m/b sold them by each wire,no sets $60 and up
cost of restoring will no doubt be higher than hunting for a nice one. I am an ex employee of MB and have owned a dozen. almost bought one new in 75. they never caught on, look a bit ungainly compared to the roadster and their popularity (or lack of) caused mercedes to keep production low. they simply weren’t accepted in the market place.
Rarity is not a “significant advantage”. In this case, it was there was not a sufficient market for a convertible that wasn’t.
Sold for $1,325 plus the $300 auction fee. I disagree with Jeff on the looks of the coupe vs. the roadster but this is still a decent looking car. The interior is nice, the exterior needs little, and the engine seems to be the only problem area. I would find out what it needs and if it’s too much ~ these things can be expensive to fix ~ drop in an SBC. I have a ’67 Corvette 327-300 sitting in my garage waiting to be rebuilt. It would make a kewl driver.