Mercedes SLC

RETROSPECTIVE

There are cars that sometimes do not collect the deserved success when they are in production, but which, over time, have justice. This is perhaps the case of the Mercedes SLC (in all of its different versions). Born in 1971 for replacing the too aged W111, the new C107 coupe was derived directly from the SL (the cabrio). Stretched up to 36cm in order to find space for the rear seats, obviously a metal roof designed to perfection, with air intakes on the rear that lighten the line, made even more fascinating by the absence, if windows down, of the central pillars. The result was a very elegant car. Obviously, mechanical and interior were identical to the open version. Engines were as follows: the V8 of the 350 which, as the number itself suggests was of 3500cc and 200-hp with manual or automatic gearbox. It was joined the following year by the 450 always with a V8, 4500cc, 225-hp and only with automatic transmission; then, to ward off the blows of the oil crisis, in 1974, came the 280 6-cylinder, 2800cc, 185-hp. In 1975 came the electronic injection. The 450 SLC model also participated in several competitions during 1977 and Mercedes proposed as a top of the range model a 5000cc engine as well: the acronym remained SLC 450, but you could distinguish it by the rear wing, as well as the different color in the lower part. Later, also a super SLC 450 which mounted a 6000cc engine with 230-hp, it had a bulge on the bonnet to accommodate the huge engine, but it was a one-off. New engines arrived to renew the entire range in 1980: the 380 (218-hp), the 450 became 500 also called 280 and remained in the manual version. The C107 series ceased production in late 1981, giving way to the SEC model.
Today, it is perhaps more appreciated: the beauty of the line, clean and refined, which is not affected by age, but despite everything, differences in prices compared to the cabrio sister are still evident. It can be a reason to make a good deal, putting in the garage a very nice Mercedes of sure revaluation.