It’s a shame when someone gets a project and can’t find the time or interest to get started on it. Of course, if you’re a GM guy and you get handed a vintage Mercedes-Benz, it’s understandable if you’re not fired up to work on it. The seller claims it hasn’t run in 20 years, and it sounds like it somehow ended up in his lap versus he went out and tried to find a rare C107-chassis fixed roof coupe. This 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for just $2,000, and thanks goes to Barn Finds reader Terry for the tip.
This is one of those cars that’s just rare enough that it shouldn’t be scrapped, but it’s hard to justify heavy investment in the car relative to its value in the marketplace. It’s a shame, but the C107 coupe suffers the same effect as the likes of the C3 Corvette where sheer production volume hurts the bottom line. You can find oodles of R107 convertibles for sale on a daily basis, which were produced at a far higher volume than the coupe. Still, most people don’t see the difference, especially since the coupe and convertible are identical save for the roof configuration.
To the seller’s credit, he includes this photo of the interior stripped out, which is doesn’t appear to be in other photos. Did he pull all of this material out for the purpose of showing how should it is? Or was this from a previous owner who embarked on an ambitious plan to restore it before abandoning it at a local shop? I can see plenty of surface rust and a few holes, so it seems likely that you’ll need to address floor repair at some point. This SLC is full of mystery as it relates to who owned it and whether they were planning on a proper overhaul before work stopped.
While it’s simply a matter of a hardtop versus a soft top, the effect is significant to my eyes in terms of creating a far more attractive car in SLC form. The slimmer European-style chrome bumpers would transform the looks dramatically, but I’m worried some level of bodywork will take precedence as there appears to be some rust poking through right above the taillights. The seller is not asking much for this V8-equipped coupe, which could make it worth the risk for someone who’s been hunting for the elusive hardtop version.
Note that this is not a mere difference between a roadster and a coupe. The SLC gained 14 inches in wheelbase and, as a result, more weight. The SLC is more of a long-distance GT coupe, while the roadster is more agile.
I purchased an SLC that someone else invested the time and money necessary to make it better than new. Most folks haven’t caught up to the fact that the SLC is a much more pleasant car to drive while still delivering an open motoring experience.
This will have to be a labor of love, since the cost of putting this back on the road and making it presentable will far outweigh the value.
Unfortunately, the 1976 is less desirable than the 1977 due to emissions and regulatory changes that Mercedes-Benz made to the M117 4.5L V8. In particular, the catalytic converters were moved from the engine bay to under the car for the 1977 model year.
The SLCs are definitely worth saving. If this one were cheaper and closer to me, I would be tempted to take it on.
sadly, a once great car that had limited appeal to the audience in which it was intended, never a sales success. I bought a year old one in 1977 at age 23, same year that this one is. it was a nice cruiser, a luxo coupe of the highest order. but the top didn’t go down, and that was the class of buyer for which this car was intended, sort of. the cost to get this car up and running would be prohibitive vs it’s final value. it’s good for parting out, not much more.
I agree..unless you plan on it being in the all weather daily drivers club.
Removing everything MB, mechanical, etc., etc.
It’s doable but I’m really not interested in putting reservations on that amount of floor space. Especially when I need some space for dancing girls every Saturday night for our poker games.
buyer beware! maybe too good to be true.
After the LS swap who cares if it has a little rust?
There’s a shop in California that sells an adapter to mount the small block GM engine in these. Good way to save money.
Could not agree more. Had one years ago. What a pleasure to drive.
Mine absolutely loved gasoline. In fact loved is being kind. Adored would be more like it.
Too far away for me. I’d have twice the transportation cost. Most transportation outfits won’t deal with non-running autos. So…then it’s off to where it’s located pulling a trailer. Nah, I can find other fish to fry.
I think the owner will almost be better off to remove the price and indicate make offer.
mine adored, perhaps was obsessed with high test. drank too much of it. gasoholic. glad you reminded me, I had kind of blocked that out. therapy helped.
Get the manifolds and cats from a 1977 and later and keep the M117 in it. It is an easy to work on and durable V8.
Around town, it does adore high octane gasoline, but I averaged 14-16 MPG doing 70 (or so) MPH up through central California on the 5 freeway (Orange County, CA to Mountain View, CA 1 to 2 times per month).
These are comfortable and quick GT cars.
a bit too much porpoising when accelerating or braking for my liking. (my SM had none at all.). years later I had a 420SEL and it was the same. corrected with the 92 SE I subsequently owned.
Of course I want to say slap an LS in it like always but not for this car. If it doesn’t respond to CPR cheap enough then go with a….. big block Chevy motor.😆
If it was a lot cheaper and a good used MB motor could be sourced from a recycler then that would be great. Hope someone saves it.
Nice parts car, this one just isn’t worth the investment. So many more available at better values. The public has spoken through the past 20 years and if they were ever to become “valuable” it would have already happened.
I love SLCs, I imported 3 in the 1980s and kept a cherry one for many months in Atlanta, a 1980 450/5.0. I always look when I see one for sale but have seen many in need of TLC. Pay for a good one and you’ll be rewarded.
100%
Back in the 80’s, friend and I purchased a 75 450 SLC for $3000. It needed paint and an interior. I did the interior with a kit and we had another guy put a decent paint job on for $5000. At the time good ones were going for 13-15K so we had some leeway. A few more incidentals at MB prices and we were up to 10K invested. Most people who responded to my selling ad came and thought it was an SL. I specifically told them it was the SLC which was a fixed head coupe. Most didn’t know what they were looking at. Finally I found a guy who liked it for $12K. We took our lumps and at least made something. I think the SLC is a better looking car. I would not tackle one today… not worth the time and effort.
I tried to sell my ‘77 280 SLC. Lookers thought it was the roadster, and the six cylinder motor was weird. Had to donate it to charity, but got a nice tax rebate.
GONE.