">
2010 Shannons Sydney Summer Classic Auction
Lot
12

1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC Coupe

$6,900

melbourne

Sold

Specifications

Engine 4.5litre V8
Gearbox Auto
Body Work Coupe
Colour Silver
Interior Tan
Trim Leather
Wheels Alloy
Brakes Disc

Description

This lot is no longer available

When Daimler-Benz were designing a replacement for the much-loved Pagoda-roof SL range it was decided to simultaneously offer a longer wheelbase 2+2 version of the new model to fill the gap left by the demise of the W111/112 coupes and thus the SLC was born.

The new SL/SLC range, dubbed W107 in Stuttgart's parlance, was an altogether stronger, safer and more sophisticated design. With chunky, squared-off lines the SLC boasted massive construction techniques that incorporated side impact protection in the doors and crumple zones to offer unparalleled safety.

The SLC had a slightly raised roofline to provide additional headroom and an unusual side window treatment, with louvres and no B-pillar to make the big Mercedes a true pillarless coupe with the windows wound down. Inside, the SLC was typically well thought out and finished to the highest standards - the cabin was capable of seating four adults in comfort while the long doors made access to the rear seats relatively painless.

The SLC was offered with a range engines from the revised W116 S-Class range, topped initially by the 4.5 litre overhead-camshaft V8 (in the 450SLC), which was available only with a three-speed automatic transmission.

Today, prices of the 450 SLC make this one of the most affordable SLs of all, yet the model's virtues - incredible build quality, robust mechanicals, safety and the added bonus of driving something with the Three-Pointed Star up front - make them great value.