1971-1981 Mercedes-Benz SLC
Mercedes-Benz 450SLC hardtop coupe
A "first" -- and so far an "only" -- for Mercedes, the 1971-1981 Mercedes-Benz SLC is a four-place offshoot of the two-seat SL, in this case the R107-series design that preceded it to market by about a year.
Chief differences were a wheelbase lengthened 14 inches to make room for a
nominal back seat, plus a fixed pillarless superstructure above the resulting
2+2 cabin. The result was somewhat ungainly -- aggravated, perhaps, by vertical
slats on the rear halves of the back side windows that attempted a more
"close-coupled" look.
Few
basic changes were made over a fairly successful 10-year run other than engine
choices, which mostly paralleled shifts for concurrent SLs and involved
somewhat thriftier new-generation V-8s starting in the late '70s.
A six-cylinder SLC was never part of Mercedes' U.S. line, and virtually all American-spec models carried the earlier 4.5-liter V-8. Later, bespoilered European 450SLC 5.0 and 500SLC models are occasionally seen here as private or "gray market" imports, and may be worth seeking out for their superior performance.
However,
Mercedes-Benz of North
America doesn't provide
parts/service backup for such cars, so caveat emptor.
SLC's
successor was the more stylish 380/500/560 SEC, which began appearing in 1982
as hardtop companions to their then-new parents, the W126 "S-class"
sedans.
Pluses
of the 1971-1981 Mercedes-Benz SLC:
- Interesting modern Mercedes
- Fairly rare, especially in U.S.
- Smooth, V-8 performance
- Mercedes-Benz's robust construction, high resale values, and high-zoot image
Minuses
of the 1971-1981 Mercedes-Benz SLC:
- Awkward styling
- Back seat not practical for adults
- Not that quick (except 5.0 V-8s)
- Less nimble than an SL
- Not yet a very high-status Mercedes collectible
Production
of the 1971-1981 Mercedes-Benz SLC:
- 350SLC: 13,925 (1971-1980)
- 450SLC: 31,739 (1972-1980)
- 280SLC: 10,666 (1974-1981)
- 450SLC 5.0: 2769 (1977-1981)
- 380SLC: 3789 (1980-1981)
- 500SLC:
1299 (1980-1981)
Note:
Parentheses indicate production years, not model years.
Specifications
of the 1971-1981 Mercedes-Benz SLC:
Wheelbase,
inches: 110.8
Length,
inches: 186.6-196.4
Weight,
pounds: 3,200-3,500
Price,
new: $15,100-$36,600 (U.S.)
Engines
for the 1971-1981 Mercedes-Benz SLC:
Horsepower
Years
ohc V-8
3,499 cc (213.5 cid)200/230*1971-1980ohc V-84,520 cc (275.8 cid)217-225**1971-1980ohc V-8
4,520 cc (275.8 cid)160-190***1971-1980dohc I-62,746 cc (168 cid)177-185**1974-1981ohc V-84,990 cc (305 cid)240**1977-1978ohc V-84,973 cc (304 cid)231/240**1979-1981ohc V-8
3,818 cc (233 cid)218*1980-1981ohc V-83,839 cc (234 cid)155***
1980-1981
* DIN/SAE net
** DIN (European model)
*** SAE net (U.S. model)
Want more information about classic cars? See:
- Classic Cars
- Mercedes-Benz Sports Cars
- Muscle Cars
- Sports Cars
- Consumer Guide Auto
- Consumer Guide Auto Used Car Search