1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC Coupe

Description

Based on Mercedes-Benz's hugely successful W107 SL sports roadster, the SLC model was built on stretched version of the same platform and was intended as a replacement for ageing the W111/112 models. With proper 2+2 seating, 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 simple. The SLC shared the same incredibly strong bodyshell as its SL sibling, incorporating side impact protection in the doors and crumple zones to offer unparalleled safety. Mechanically, the SLC was initially offered in two versions, either with the classic twin-cam six-cylinder engine or the new overhead-camshaft V8, the latter available only with a three-speed automatic transmission. In 450 guise, the car was powered by Daimler-Benz's understressed, powerful and extremely reliable M117 V8 with an overhead camshaft and Bosch electronic fuel injection. Suspension was via semi-trailing arms that provided more predictable handling characteristics than the swing axles of earlier generation SLs. The SLC proved a supremely successful Grand Tourer and remained in production, largely unchanged, for the better part of a decade. Today the SLC is the most affordable SL variant, yet the 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.