1978 Mercedes-Benz SL 450 SLC from North America - Comments

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

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.

My father owned a 1978 450SLC for 20+ years and I was able to buy it back from the subsequent owner (a family friend). My silver with blue interior 450 SLC is about to be restored to its original glory, and I can comment on this car with great authority, having driven it a great deal - or as much as my dad would allow me, I should say.

If maintained properly, this car is a model in reliability. I drove this car from Pennsylvania to Manhattan and then to the Berkshire Mountains in Mass. and back home over valentines day many years ago. It was colder than I've ever experienced, and yet this car (which was more than 20 years old at the time) started easily every morning. Unless you buy the lightweight race version (very rare) the car is much more of a grand tourer than a true sports car. It rides a bit softly and will understeer when pushed, but it rides and drives like a dream. By today's standards, it is not blistering off the line, but by any standard, it is fast from 55 - 90 MPH. This car is made to be a heavenly, highway cruiser.

Not everyone loves the looks. I happen to. If you must have a convertible, by a 560 (or 450, etc.) SL and enjoy it. If you want a rare coupe with a very usable back seat and trunk, this car is a great choice. I like very much that there is no "B" pillar in this car. When the roof is open and all of the windows are down, it does feel very open and fun.

I am told that one can easily retrofit a later designed Mercedes Benz 4 speed automatic transmission (in place of the 3 speed which was standard) and the car will be much quicker, faster and more efficient. I will let you know when I confirm this.

BE VERY CAREFUL of beaten versions that were poorly cared for or left in the wet. Sills around the wheel arches and rocker panels will bubble through with rust and can be costly to repair (thankfully, mine was repaired many years ago when this began to surface).

All in all, I think this car represents exceptional value. It is a very rare automobile and I believe, drastically undervalued in the marketplace - if it is in solid condition. I cannot wait to get my car back in drivable condition and start enjoying it again.

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.