1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC Coupe
Sold: $6,900
Location: melbourne
Specifications
| Engine | 4.5litre V8 |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | Auto |
| Body Work | Coupe |
| Colour | Silver |
| Interior | Tan |
| Trim | Leather |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Brakes | Disc |
Description
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.
