1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC 5.0 - Rare Homologation

The registration and chassis numbers in the printed catalogue are incorrect - they should be HHU 648V and WDB10702612000601.

The Stuttgart Collection is a carefully curated selection of cars that were once part of a larger, private, UK-based Mercedes-Benz museum. The cars presented to auction offer a unique opportunity to own arguably the best examples available in today’s market. From the fabulous 500SL delivered new to Sir Stirling Moss himself with a later Mercedes F1 starring role to the modest 230 E saloon at a tantalising No Reserve, each car is on the button with unrivalled history files that detail the diligent maintenance from new.

The Mercedes-Benz roadster R107 and C107 coupé were produced from 1971 until 1989, as the second longest single series ever produced by the factory after the G-Class. They were sold under the SL (R107) and SLC (C107) model names in a variety of nomenclatures indicating the displacement of the engines. When Mercedes-Benz returned to Works rallying in the 1970s, they needed to homologate the 450 SLC’s new 5-litre V8 rally car and thus the 450 SLC 5.0 was launched, with just 1,636 built between September 1977 and March 1980.

The enlarged 240bhp, light-alloy V8, 3-speed automatic transmission with aluminium body panels, front and rear spoilers enabled over 140mph and the car was the first V8-engined car (and the first automatic) to win a World Rally Championship event in a career that was short but impressive. Please see the other 450 SLC 5.0 Tour of Britain rally car also on offer from The Stuttgart Collection, for what the car can do on gravel, sand and dirt!

This 1979 example, is finished in its original Light Silver Metallic with a contrasting green velour interior. The body and underside are free of structural rust, the paintwork presents very well and the interior is delightful. Mechanically the car is sound and performs wonderfully on the road, as road tested by Martin Buckley for Classic & Sports Car magazine. Presented to auction with 128,405km on the odometer, or the equivalent of 79,787 miles. The history file is a delight and this very rare, left-hand drive, multiple magazine-featured, homologation special may be the last 'sleeper' of its kind from this era.