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:

* 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