1978 Mercedes-Benz W107 450 SLC 4.5 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Style-Pace-Grace (The best kept classic car secret)

Faults:

Breaks needed an overhaul.

Fuel accumulator needed replacing.

General Comments:

Very cheap overlooked classic car that sends out a message of style without making you feel like a pretentious prat.

The car has been significantly over engineered by Mercedes, which is great for classic car buyers, as you can now reap the rewards 30 years later on.

The 450SLC does not have the same amount of headaches associated with other makes of classic cars, as all parts are easily still available off the shelf from Mercedes or second hand.

I live in the city, this car is perfect and sits in traffic with no problems. However, when I go away for the weekend on the motorway, it flies. It's as quick as any modern 2 liter turbo from 50-100 miles per hour. It's even quick off the line if you drop the auto box into first and go through the gears.

The car has a good size boot, and you can fit two full size adults in the back.

The 450SLC has as standard air con, cruise control, power steering, all round electric windows, and guess what, they all still work!

This car was designed 20 years ahead of its time. You could have purchase a very large house in London for the same price when it was new. This is my every day practical car that starts first time, and gives me less trouble than my wife; I can't recommend it enough.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th July, 2010

1977 Mercedes-Benz W107 450 SLC 4.5 V8 from South Africa

Summary:

Great Car

Faults:

Vacuum Central Locking System.

General Comments:

This car is a great tourer and can comfortably sit at speed on the highways.

The V8 sound from the engine is awesome.

The car is however quite thirsty especially in town driving.

The interior is well thought out and has all of the luxuries that you find in modern cars including air conditioning, sunroof, cruise control, power steering etc.

The seating is really comfortable and a recent trip from Cape Town to JHB (1,350 kms) was a pleasure.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2008

11th Mar 2009, 20:31

Hi, are there many SLC's in South Africa?

21st Aug 2009, 08:52

I am thinking of getting a 450 SL as my first car, I have always been a fan. The car is 10 years older than I am, do you think that is a smart move?

In reply to 21st Aug 2009, 08:52

20th Apr 2011, 12:29

Yes I do.

I bought my first 12/09/09 on eBay. I was home alone and was going through ads. I saw this 1979 450SEL. I have always liked this car. I put my bit in, didn't think I would get it.

When I got up the next day I got a sick feeling, oh god what did I just do? I agreed to wire $$$$$$ to someone I never met, for a car I had never seen, not one of my better moves. It took 3 weeks to get delivered. The weather was bad.

When it came off the truck it was like a old Friend came home. There is another story to this (when my wife first saw what I had done, but that's for later). The car has only 42,460 original miles. I have every bill that has been spent on it since when it was bought.

So good luck on your quest.

Lou Fisher.

In reply to 11th Mar 2009, 20:31

3rd Jan 2012, 05:43

I have a 1980 450 SLC, which was imported from Germany - left hand drive - in Cape Town, South Africa. Mechanically perfect, and hasn't given a single problem. A few minor flaws, including a couple of rust spots that can be easily fixed.

I agree with the other posters in that this is the most enjoyable car I've ever had, including a newer 200SLK.

1987 Mercedes-Benz W107 560SL V8 from North America

Summary:

Of the 50+ cars I have owned, this is my favorite

Faults:

Not a thing at this point. A most perfect car, not showing any indication of 20 years on the road.

General Comments:

Of the 107 series, the 560 is superior to the others. I owned a 350, 450 and 380 - but the last examples were the best. Not a tight handling sports car - more of a grand tourer. Trunk space can be tight, but it's designed for overnight bags for 2... not much more. Very durable if maintained. It is essential to properly care for the car - buy one that has been pampered and pay the premium rather than trying to get a bargain on a tatty example. You'll save all the way around - and enjoy the car far more.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th July, 2007