1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC

Following on to the brutish 1995 Mercedes-Benz S500 featured a few days ago here, I stumbled across one of its ancestors this week. This amazingly original 1978 450SLC coupe. I have to admit that when I was a teenager, it was my dream to own one of these SLCs. I’m not sure why, but I still long after one of these coupes. While Mercedes of this era came in some colors that look a bit dated, the Orient Red with brand new Bamboo interior add to the sheer elegance of this machine.

1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC for sale on eBay

You are looking at the best and most beautiful SLC for sale plus she has a brand new factory leather interior and all new carpet that smells brand new.

When the world’s most renowned automobile manufacturer presents the world with an instant classic, maintaining the expectations of enthusiasts can be a rather difficult challenge. Admirers of the 450SLC will feel as if they went back in time when sitting in this car which runs and feels as if it were locked in a time capsule. The new owner of this beautifully preserved SLC will feel as if they have taken a step back in time when sitting in this car which has the feeling of being brand new and still today is in “Showroom Condition” with its brand new factory carpeting and supple Mercedes all leather interior.

The Mercedes 450SLC is a car that stands amongst its peers as an icon and although there were many other style of cars made around this model it is difficult to associate this decade with any other car. The styling of this 450SLC still remains classic, and its interior, while always dignified, was decidedly luxurious. The 450SLC had two doors, a true pillarless hardtop, and seating for four. It was similar to the 450SL but with a longer wheelbase which increased the weight slightly. The rear passengers window is actually a 1/4 window with a louvered panel which provides extra privacy. Production lasted from 1970 through 1981. The 450SLC is renowned for its performance and was constructed by the manufacturer to compete in marathon rallies.

The power comes from a 4.5L V8 engine and an automatic transmission. This car is very well equipped with AM/FM stereo radio w optional cassette which has been updated and restored with the iPhone hook up that is hardwired through glove box. It has climate controlled electronic air conditioning not offered before 1978, cruise control, power steering, power locks, power sunroof, seat belts, leather, chrome wheels, and Michelin MXV radial tires.

The first thing that anyone comments on when noticing this car is the striking color combination of its Orient Red exterior over its Bamboo interior. The paint is gorgeous along with the Mercedes all leather factory interior and brand new Mercedes factory carpeting. If you are reading this, you most likely already know how rare the SLCs are, combine the very few SLCs that are left combined with this striking color combination and you have a very rare car. Most color combinations found for this car are silver, brown or blue. Besides the vehicle looking like it’s in just out of the showroom condition. The vehicle runs and drives absolutely beautiful maintaining its essence of luxury.

A few weeks ago I drove the car from Treasure Island to South Beach a 500 mile round trip get away. I used the cruise control all the way down to Miami and back. Staying cool with the air conditioning on while listening to the stereo, the trip was a breeze to make. The faster I drove the smoother she drove. Quiet and steady. While in south beach I literally could not drive anywhere without a comment or people just continually staring at the car admiring its beauty….

There are two age related items that are very difficult to see even in these pictures, there is a slight hazing at the bottom of the rear window that is approximately 1” wide by 15” long and a slight hazing on the dash both of these items are very difficult to see in the photos.

I have the service records where the car was dealer serviced. It just had a major service and new brakes installed at MB authorized dealer. We all know having a MB dealer serviced is much more expensive because the dealer does preventative maintenance or proactive service, replacing everything and anything before it needs to be. That’s why most vintage MB cars are not serviced by the dealer. I can tell you though it makes a world of difference after years and years when a vintage MB has been serviced by the dealer. Being dealer serviced this car has been maintained as required, that is why there are no issues with this car and everything looks and operates like it should.

This SLC is absolutely amazing given its age and mileage. The seller is wrong in saying production started in 1970, rather, it was two years later when the first SLC appeared. Still, this is another one of those cars that if I had the space and funds, it would be in my collection. The asking price is reasonable given the history, stunning condition and the fact that Mercedes-Benz coupes and convertibles always command a higher price than their sedan counterparts.

-Paul