Beschreibung:

First introduced as the 350SLC at the Brussels Motor Show in 1971, the newly designed type 107 luxury coupe reprised the earlier type 280SE 3.5 series coupes and convertibles as the most expensive and comprehensively equipped production Mercedes-Benz. Built on a longer wheelbase the SLC accommodated two rear-seat passengers and provided greater trunk space than its open-topped SL sibling. From the onset US models received an all-alloy, fuel injected 4.5 liter engine offering 195 bph in an effort to compensate for American EPA regulations and to maintain the Sport Light tradition of power and performance in keeping with the European sister models. Mercedes had clearly identified the SLC for the US luxury market and for ease and comfort of the driving experience, limited the transmission of engine power to a 3 speed automatic gearbox. In 1973 Mercedes introduced the 450SL and SLC to the European market and for the USA uprated the engine to 225 bhp to run on regular rather than premium gas and other than offering interior refinements and a new trunk lid badge the model remained identical to earlier 350 series. The running gear followed Mercedes-Benz's established pattern, comprising all-independent front and rear suspension, the unique diagonal-pivot rear swing axle configuration and powerful four-wheel disc brakes. Its makers' increasing preoccupation with safety was evident in the design of the 450SL's interior, which boasted a padded dash top, recessed or flexibly mounted switchgear and padded steering wheel on a 'collapsible' column. Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection was standardized for 1975, electronic ignition and self-adjusting hydraulic tappets being introduced at the same time. Maximum speed of this superbly equipped top-of-the-range coupe was in excess of 125mph. Mercedes sold just 4.510 examples of this model worldwide in 1977. A local car for many years, this SLC originally resided with a Mrs. Marcella O'Malley in Southern California from new, until she moved to Boca Raton in 2000. The current owner acquired the car from the O'Malley family in 2010 and following some light reconditioning, has covered 4,500 trouble free miles since. Today listing offers a top of the range, fully optioned 450SLC and displays rust-free coachwork with an overall fine and original order entirely consistent with its odometer reading of just over 40,000 miles from new. The rare Colorado Sand paintwork is very presentable, belying its age, the interior in dark brown leather has a pleasant patina and wear, reflecting age rather than use and the engine bay is clean and detailed. Offered with the full glove-box packet including the warranty cards and instruction manuals, tools and jack, nearly new tires and having just completed a full service and detail by a noted Texas restorer Jeff Snyder of Jeff's Resurrections, this is an eminently usable and very clean classic Mercedes Coupe. Without reserve