1978 Mercedes-Benz SL 280 SLC 2.8 Inline 6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Gorgeous and Reliable Cruise-mobile!

Faults:

The odometer had stopped a couple of years ago and needed to be dismantled and fixed.

Small tear in drivers seat fabric.

The vacuum system for locking the seats was clogged up.

Front disk rotors are worn.

Engine was reconditioned in 1999.

Small patches of rust have appeared - sheet metal only, not structural.

General Comments:

This is an extraordinary vehicle. It weighs 2 tons yet feels like a lot less. The handling is amazing and the ride is sublime.

It is amazingly quiet to drive. I have never had such hi-fi music in a car before as I can actually use the available dynamic range!

Everything in the car is designed around the driver. It is an ergonomic masterpiece and after driving 500km, you hardly feel like you have done anything.

For all of it's ahead of it's time design, it is still serviceable by any home mechanic, something that can't be said for the newer Benzes.

1978 - 2.8 twin cam, Fuel injected, 4 wheel disks, 4 wheel independent suspension, 4 speed auto... Gotta love Mercedes-Benz!

After lusting after R107 SLs for years and finally getting the SLC, my tastes have changed. The SLC proportions are perfect and the presence and grace the car has is a joy every time I see it. SLs are like weekend toys, the SLC feels like the real thing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2004

28th May 2010, 13:42

How much is this car worth?

1978 Mercedes-Benz SL 450 SLC Gasoline from North America

Summary:

The Mercedes 450 SLC, is an extraordinary driving experience for experienced drivers

Faults:

I have only had the 450 SLC Mercedes for a week. Thus far, nothing has gone wrong with the car.

General Comments:

This is the first vehicle I have owned (some 25 vehicles over fifty-four years), that left me refreshed and invigorated after a thousand mile drive. An absolute dream to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th July, 2003

31st Aug 2008, 20:25

I have owned a 1980 450 SLC for 1 day, and the rear brakes drag at times, but this is alleviated by pumping them. Do people think it might be a proportioning valve? Otherwise the car is as smooth as silk and looks very aristocratic.

22nd Sep 2010, 13:09

I'm getting one in a few hours, if the dealership agrees on payment terms. Please pray for me! I thought I have driven a solid car when I bought an E34 525i, the one with an M50 engine! It's a great car, but the Merc 450 SLC... It blew my mind.

I test drove last week and again today! I'm extremely impressed. These are very hard in South Africa! I have an extremely rare opportunity I cannot let go to waste.

I'll let you all know how it drives. I want it so badly! I don't care about poor fuel economy, it's a thirsty V8 what do people expect!

Please guys, pray for me...

Later.